Hong Kong tightens labour importation scheme with tougher hiring rules, penalties

Hong Kong authorities will tighten the regulations governing a labour importation scheme by introducing a two-tier vetting system and raising the maximum penalty for non-compliant employers, with the new arrangements taking effect on Tuesday.

Following a review of the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS), the Labour Department announced on Monday that the system would distinguish between general applications and sectors with shortages.

The long-awaited move to amend the legal regime...