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HR and Recruiting Trends in Hong Kong Update

By Ames Gross
August 2007
Published in SHRM Global Forum

Hong Kong has one of the most unregulated economies in the world. It is expected to grow 4.5 to 5.5% in 2007. The territory’s unemployment rate, however, had fallen from 5.6% in 2006 to 4.3% by mid-2007. The four pillars of Hong Kong’s economy are trade and logistics, tourism, financial services and professional services. Even though Hong Kong is now a Special Administrative Region of China, it has maintained its well-established labor laws based on the British system. This article examines recent trends in HR and recruiting in Hong Kong.

HR and Recruiting Issues in Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore Webcast CD

By Ames Gross
Price: $350 May 2007
Broadcast by Pacific Bridge, Inc.

These four "East Asian Tigers" underwent rapid industrialization from the 1960s to 1990s. Today, they are fully modernized, yet HR and recruiting trends continue to shift with changes in employment law and economic conditions. This webcast provides an in-depth examination of the latest trends and provides valuable information to help you successfully manage HR in these four countries. This is a 90 minute, live web seminar which will include a 60 minute presentation, followed by 30 minutes for Q&A.

Hong Kong 2005 HR Update

By Ames Gross and Rachel Weintraub
August 2005
Published by Pacific Bridge, Inc.

Hong Kong ’s labor force is approximately 3.5 million, about half the country’s total population. The economy is showing strong growth (close to eight percent GDP in 2004), though the size of the workforce has grown minimally, with only a one percent increase last year. However, for 2005, an overall two to three percent increase is predicted, according to the HK Institute of Human Resource Management. Very large companies (500 employees +) are expected to increase employment by five to seven percent; a one to two percent increase is expected among smaller companies.

HR in Hong Kong

By Ames Gross
Fall 2001
Published in Corporate Relocation News

With a population of roughly 7.2 million people, and a labor force of almost 3.4 million workers, Hong Kong’s government is working to make the employment sector one of the island’s top priorities. In addition to implementing a $3 billion job creation plan to boost employment, Hong Kong’s government is also accepting applications from mainland China students, bringing more competition into the labor force. Moreover, one crucial element in Hong Kong’s employment sector that employers should fully understand is the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance. This legislation fully regulates all employment conditions, including wage protection, paid holidays, paid annual leave, sick days, maternity protection, and severance payments. This article discusses the human resource and employment issues facing Hong Kong.

Human Resources Issues in Hong Kong

By Ames Gross
Spring 1999
Published by Pacific Bridge, Inc.

This article examines the human resource situation in Hong Kong with regard to recruiting candidates, wages and benefits, labor relations, and retention strategies. After Hong Kong’s return to mainland China in 1997, there have been several changes in Hong Kong’s labor market, particularly the labor laws. Additionally, recruiting methods have changed slightly to accommodate the shifting number of skilled workers, as some of these workers have left Hong Kong to work overseas. However, with low taxes, recent economic growth, a convenient location, and a large highly-skilled labor force, Hong Kong remains on of the most attractive Asian bases for multinational corporations.

Residency Rules in Hong Kong

By Ames Gross
October 1997
Published by Pacific Bridge, Inc.

In the wake of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule July 1, both Asian and Western expatriates are concerned about their right to remain in the country. To avoid this problem, business and political leaders urged the British and Chinese to reach agreement over residency, immigration, and visa matters prior to Britain’s withdrawal. Unfortunately, no such agreement was reached. Thus, potential problems with new visa and residency rules can cause huge headaches for human resource recruiters in Hong Kong. Although human resource managers operating in Hong Kong have a highly educated, diverse and entrepreneurial population from which to hire, they must be mindful of changes affecting the residency rights of employees and job applicants.

Keeping the Employment

By Ames Gross and Patricia Dyson
October 1997
Published in HR Magazine

Human resource recruiters for multinational companies operating in Hong Kong have the luxury of hiring from a highly educated, diverse and entrepreneurial population. But they need to watch for changes affecting the residency rights of employees and job applicants. This article explains the details of Hong Kong labor law on these issues.

Human Resource Issues after the Hong Kong Handover

By Ames Gross
Fall 1996
Published by Pacific Bridge, Inc.

The Chinese legal system approaches all legal issues on a case-by-case basis. Hong Kong’s approach is exactly the opposite. Using Britain’s common law tradition, the legal system in Hong Kong is underscored by respect for legal precedent. Moreover, whereas Hong Kong has an independent judiciary, China’s courts are closely tied to government and Party authorities and must quickly adapt to policy changes. Due to these vastly different approaches, it is possible that difficulties may arise as the two systems are merged. With respect to employment laws and other legal issues that affect human resources, the laws and regulations currently in place in Hong Kong and China are quite different. However, few, if any, major changes in employment relations are expected immediately after the Chinese government’s takeover of Hong Kong on July 1, 1997.