LCQ19: Applications for importation of labour in food and beverage services sector

Following is a question by the Hon Jonathan Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 21): Question: Since June 16, 2026, the Government has further tightened the vetting mechanism under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme for applications in respect of posts in the production and table service sections of the food and beverage services sector by requiring employers to maintain a manning ratio of 3:1 between full-time local employees and imported workers, and to conduct local recruitment for a period of six weeks, during which they must attend job fairs organised by the Labour Department (LD). There are views pointing out that, as the trade finds it difficult to meet with the new manning ratio requirement, existing quotas for imported workers have been cancelled, thereby placing catering establishments under direct pressure of closure. At the same time, some members of the trade have reflected that the vetting and approval of applications takes an unduly long time, with some applications submitted early this year still awaiting approval, causing serious disruption to the manpower arrangements of c

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