As host of foreign labor

Romulo Alegre - Senior Language Instructor at USJ and is currently pursuing his PhD in English.  He taught the English language in Guangzhou, Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.

After arguing that labor importation is a compelling economic decision that the Macau government should take, I wrote in my previous article: “Macau residents need to rest assured that their beloved territory remains theirs in the long run. This protectionist thinking about territorial sovereignty should be viewed with empathy rather than as a selfish act of people who do not wish to share fruits of a robust economy. On this, the government must prioritize the residents’ general welfare and guarantee protection to what they hold dear as expressions of their cultural identity.
Nevertheless, as impositions are made, the Macau government should continuously explore ways for a more effective labor importation and carry out policies that are welcoming to foreign workers. This should be a guiding principle as a happy imported workforce ultimately benefits the host economy.”
What are more effective ways for labor importation in Macau?  What policies would seem welcoming to overseas workers that Macau has to explore as a host of foreign labor? The ensuing discussion presents one along with guiding principles.  Other options can be had by consultation with the concerned parties, something that the government as a matter of principle should do periodically.
Owing perhaps to pressure from those who are against increasing labor importation in Macau, an initial issuance of two-year work visa in Macau has now been adjusted to one year but can be renewed for a longer work visa if employment continues.  One Filipino domestic helper I know got a one-year work visa last year (an initial work visa for her) and was approved upon renewal for a two-year work visa this year.
Relevant government agencies in Macau should review this policy especially if such policy extends to other types of labor that are visibly in demand in Macau. Initially issuing a longer visa once employment has been contracted - say, a minimum of 2 years - is more effective, more expedient and in due course more beneficial to both the government/employer and the foreign worker.
This is more effective because right from the start relevant government agencies need to insure legitimacy of the awarded labor since its importation involves a longer duration. Careful steps and procedures for approval of work visa therefore become imperative. Indeed, ascertaining whether labor can be legitimately processed and awarded to a foreign worker is not a matter of trial – a thinking that must be a guiding notion for labor importation in Macau.
This is also more expedient because it will ease the hiring traffic and unclog labor documentation work.  The government does not have to do its job twice (insuring bureaucratic replication in the process) whilst the foreign person, whose legitimate status to work in Macau has been established, does not need to make two trips (when one trip is enough) to the approving government agency.
True, labor importation demands rigorous documentation.  My sympathy goes to government offices that have to deal with hundreds of work visa applicants lining up everyday. That’s why repetitious work should be avoided whenever possible. Undoubtedly, a year in an overseas position is too short. A foreign worker, by all means, would wish for a longer, assured stay. In case of violation, initial issuance of a longer work visa is irrelevant because its cancellation is always an option.
Lastly, a longer term visa more beneficial in the long run because the government will not be burdened by superfluous work and can therefore divert its resources. To the foreign worker, it gives more stability and a nice feeling of welcome.

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