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Govt to tighten grip on non-resident workforce

The Macau government has pledged to more closely control the size of the non-resident workforce.

Chui Sai On, chief executive, told the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday that the government would be perfecting the mechanism by which non-resident workers exit the Macau labor market at the end of their contracts.

It also aims to provide more varied options for employment and training to Macao residents in order to enhance their career mobility.

When asked about the management of non-resident workers, Mr Chui reiterated to the Legislative Assembly that non-resident workers were meant only to offset any shortfall in local manpower, a long-standing principle upheld by the government.

The chief executive said the government would strictly assess applications for the importation of foreign workers based on prevailing economic conditions, and encourage large-scale enterprises to hire a greater number of local workers.

It is also planning to review the ratio of foreign to local workers upon the completion and inauguration of the second phase of Macau’s large-scale casino projects, and is urging large firms to prioritize the promotion of local workers for middle and senior positions.

“The Government would help foreign workers in these middle or senior management positions exit the labour market and would gradually reduce the importation of, and the renewal of applications for, foreign workers holding such roles,” said the government in a release on Wednesday.

“The Government would strive to maintain the percentage of local employees holding middle or senior management positions in the six gaming operators at not fewer than 85 percent,” it added.

When asked about gaming concession renewals and limits on the number of licenses issued, Mr. Chui said the government will make it decision by factoring in its 5-year development plan, as well as looking into the results of the mid term review and public consultations.

Mr. Chui told the Legislative Assembly that it had revised its GGR estimate for 2017 - to MOP230 billion (US$28.5 billion), up from its previously estimated MOP200 billion.

Mr. Chui also noted that the government will continue to push for more non-gaming attractions in Macau.

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