Employers express concerns about the accommodation of foreign workers and question why they are not allowed to live with Hong Kong friends.
Recently, the "Supplementary Labour Optimization Scheme" relaxed the application requirements for 26 positions, allowing employers to hire foreign workers. The Liberal Party organized a briefing session where the Director of the Labour Department, Chen Wing-siu, introduced the application procedures and addressed employers' concerns. According to Shiu Ka-fai, the Chairman of the Liberal Party and also a representative from the wholesale and retail industry, over 100 chambers of commerce participated in the event.
Industry raises various concerns
The industry has expressed concerns about the accommodation of foreign workers. The Liberal Party collected some of the industry's key concerns, which were raised by Zhang Yu-ren, the leader of the Liberal Party and also a representative from the catering industry. These concerns include questions such as: "Is the accommodation of foreign workers arranged by intermediaries or employers?" "Are there specific medical standards for pre-employment health examinations of foreign workers?" "Do foreign workers have a probationary period? If employers find them unsuitable, can they terminate their employment immediately?" "If foreign workers have friends in Hong Kong who can provide accommodation, can they choose not to live in the accommodation provided by the employer?" and so on.
Employer's responsibility for foreign workers' accommodation
Regarding the question of whether foreign workers can live with Hong Kong friends, the representative from the Labour Department stated that providing accommodation is the employer's responsibility. Additionally, if foreign workers have their own place of residence in their home country, they can choose to return there. However, Shiu Ka-fai questioned, "Why can't foreign workers live with their Hong Kong friends?" The representative from the Labour Department only stated that this is based on the provisions of the scheme and the employment contract.
Labour Department clarifies various issues
Furthermore, the representative from the Labour Department explained that there are no specific standards for pre-employment health examinations of foreign workers; they only need to meet the medical requirements of their home country. At the same time, there is no provision for a probationary period for foreign workers in the scheme. If employers wish to terminate the employment of foreign workers, they need to comply with the notice period stated in the contract.
Adjustments based on discussions and research
Accommodation for foreign workers has always been a focus of concern for employers, and the controversy over whether foreign workers can choose to live with their Hong Kong friends has arisen. Relevant policies may be adjusted based on further discussions and research to better meet the needs of workers and address employers' concerns.
