Labor shortage holding back Macau tourism, Pansy Ho

Macau’s acute labor shortage is the main obstacle holding back tourism and more foreign labor is needed, Pansy Ho, co-chair of MGM China said at a global tourism forum.

“The labour issue is the biggest challenge. We don’t have enough labour to fulfill our capacity. What is happening in Macau is the reverse of the feeling that if we continue to bring on board foreign labour it’s going to cause unemployment,” she said. “I can’t see that happening. Even employees are saying that they feel the pressure of overworking,” Ho was cited as saying by local media.

“We need to expand our job pool. However, we need to find a harmonious and balanced way that they ensures that everybody will win with this. This is what we need to make sure that Macau will continue to grow,” she said.

“The distance between Macau and its neighbouring areas will continue to shrink with the completion of the Hong Hong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and with the completion of the infrastructure of the rail network. Macau will be right at the heart of a 100 million-population base,” she said. “Whether you like it or not, these people are going to come to your doors.”

Macau currently has strict limits on the import of foreign workers and non-residents are banned from working as dealers on the casino floors.

The labour shortage, with unemployment virtually non-existent, has pushed up staffing costs for casino operators and is seen as one of the biggest concerns by companies operating in Macau. The situation is likely to worsen as casinos begin a major hiring spree to fill positions in integrated resorts scheduled to open from 2015 on Cotai.

 

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