The 2025 Policy Address emphasizes expanding Hong Kong's talent pool to address labour shortages, with implications for employers and HR in talent attraction, retention, and compliance.
Key areas include labour importation, gig economy protections, talent attraction, and employee wellbeing, providing a roadmap for businesses across sectors like finance, manufacturing, and services to enhance workforce strategies.
In labour importation and visa management, employers are encouraged to source external talent, maintaining accurate visa records and assisting with renewals at least four weeks prior to expiry to avoid disruptions and legal issues. This is crucial amid intensified Immigration Department enforcement against unauthorized work.
For the gig economy, upcoming legislation aims to improve work injury compensation for digital platform workers, prompting employers to review classifications between employees and independent contractors to mitigate liability risks.
On talent attraction and retention, the "silver economy" promotes re-employment of older workers through schemes like the Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme, which facilitated over 27,000 placements by August 2025.
Employers can develop flexible retirement policies and training to retain experienced staff. AI development is highlighted, urging companies to establish usage policies and invest in training, potentially with "training bonds" to recover costs if employees leave prematurely.
Employee wellbeing aligns with ESG, recommending flexible work, anti-bullying procedures, and family-friendly practices like childcare support to boost retention.
Overall, these measures encourage proactive HR approaches to ensure competitiveness in Hong Kong's dynamic market.
Source - Deacons
https://www.deacons.com/2025/10/08/after-the-2025-policy-address-whats-next-for-employers/