"Importation of labor for a Hong Kong pest control company has been forbidden due to their refusal of hiring local workers"
In a significant move to uphold the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS), the Hong Kong Labour Department has imposed an administrative sanction on Amala Limited, a local company, for refusing to hire qualified local candidates without reasonable grounds. This marks the first time such a sanction has been imposed since the ESLS was revised two years ago.
Starting from 31st July 2025, the Labour Department will not process any applications from Amala seeking to import labor under the ESLS for one year. The department has also terminated the processing of a previously submitted application by the company.
The ESLS, designed to safeguard employment priority for local workers, requires employers facing genuine local recruitment difficulties to undertake a four-week local recruitment exercise before applying to import foreign workers. If an employer violates the ESLS conditions or relevant labour laws, the Labour Department can impose administrative sanctions, including withdrawal of approval for labor importation and refusal to process future applications.
The ban on Amala Limited includes the withdrawal of approval for the importation of foreign workers and the Labour Department will not process any subsequent applications for foreign worker importation from the company for the duration of the sanction.
This action by the Labour Department is consistent with its policy of enforcing the ESLS's rules to promote local employment. The department has enhanced enforcement measures such as an online complaint form for reporting potential violations to further protect local worker priority.
The violation occurred during a four-week local recruitment period, and Amala Limited's refusal to comply with the ESLS local recruitment requirements led to the administrative sanction. This decision serves as a reminder to all employers of the importance of adhering to the ESLS rules and prioritizing local candidates when hiring.
[1] Reference: Hong Kong Labour Department's official statement on the administrative sanction imposed on Amala Limited.
The administrative sanction imposed on Amala Limited, effective from 31st July 2025, restricts the company from importing labor under the ESLS for a year due to their violation of local recruitment requirements. This sanction, the first of its kind since the ESLS revamp, was imposed to uphold the integrity of the scheme and prioritize local employment in the Hong Kong business industry, especially in the immigration and finance sectors.
