By Christopher Hooley, Partner

Introduction

Hong Kong is often regarded by many as an affluent city with its countless luxury motorcars and designer boutiques. There are, however, many who live in another world.

Hong Kong has a workforce of some 3,500,000, of whom some 410,000 (more than 10% of the workforce) are paid less than HK$4,000 a month. Hong Kong has a long hours and hard work culture and such low wages are often perceived as being exploitative. In an attempt to defuse any claims of exploitation, the Hong Kong Government has, after vigorous debate, passed the Minimum Wage Ordinance, which comes into force on 1st May 2011.

By Adam Hugill, Solicitor

The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme ("CIES") is an immigration scheme introduced during 2003 to facilitate investment in Hong Kong by granting certain residency rights to persons (and their dependents) who invest not less than HK$6.5 million in certain assets without having the need to establish or join in a business or even take up employment.

By Adam Hugill, Solicitor

An amendment to the Employment Ordinance that will make employers liable to criminal prosecution if they fail to pay any sum awarded by the Labour Tribunal (or Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board) will come into force imminently.

By Chris Hooley and Adam Hugill

OLN would like to thank all the guests that have attended this Webinar and Globalaw for this initiative.

The presentation is available here: Webinar section

By Adam Hugill, Solicitor

We are often consulted by individuals who complain that their employer has not paid wages that are due and owing. Such non-payment puts a considerable financial burden on the individual and their family.