Hong Kong Prioritizes Local Employment with Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) Measures

Hong Kong, June 19, 2025 – The Hong Kong Labour Department has introduced stricter measures under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) to ensure local workers are prioritized for employment while addressing critical labour shortages. These updates aim to balance the need for foreign labour with protections for Hong Kong’s workforce.

Key Measures to Protect Local Jobs Under the ESLS

1. Restriction on Multiple Applications

To prevent over-reliance on foreign labour, employers submitting an ESLS application are barred from additional requests for six months, except for renewals. This encourages businesses to hire locally before seeking more foreign workers.

2. Mandatory Local Recruitment & Transparency

Employers must conduct a 4-week local recruitment drive before applying to import labour. The Labour Department will actively match local candidates to vacancies. Companies applying for ESLS will be listed on the Interactive Employment Service website to boost transparency.

3. Strict 2:1 Local-to-Foreign Worker Ratio

Regular inspections ensure employers maintain two local workers for every foreign hire. Non-compliance may lead to sanctions, including revoked approvals and a 2-year ban from the ESLS.

4. Online Complaint Mechanism for Workers

A new online complaint form and hotline (2150 6363) allow workers to report violations, such as unfair displacement by foreign hires.

Background: Why the ESLS Was Introduced

Launched in September 2023, the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) replaced the old Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS) to address severe shortages in 26 sectors, including hospitality, retail, and logistics. As of June 2024, over 43,000 foreign worker quotas were approved, though actual arrivals remain lower.

Protecting Imported Workers’ Rights

• Employers must provide paid leave for workers to attend a Labour Department briefing on their rights.

• The Imported Workers Support Scheme (2025) helps foreign workers report exploitation.

Addressing Labour Market Concerns

Despite Hong Kong’s 30-month high unemployment rate in 2025, Labour Secretary Chris Sun stated the ESLS has had "little impact on the overall labour market." However, with a projected 180,000-worker shortage (including 65,000 skilled workers) in the next five years, controlled foreign labour remains necessary.

Future Review of the ESLS

The Labour Department will evaluate the scheme by September 2025, considering stakeholder feedback to refine policies.

Conclusion

The Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) ensures local hiring remains a priority while filling essential labour gaps. Employers and job seekers can learn more at the official ESLS webpage or visit VisasUpdate.com for the latest immigration news.

For inquiries, contact the Supplementary Labour Division.

Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme