Macau could reduce non-resident ‘blue card’ holders

The Macau government could take the decision soon if the unemployment rate continues rising amid a difficult economic situation.

Macau.- While analysts believe Macau’s economy could rebound by 53 per cent this year, the government is watching the rising unemployment rate with concern and is preparing to take action if the situation doesn’t improve.

According to the Macau Labor Affairs Bureau’s (DSAL) deputy director, the number of non-resident workers in Macau (blue-card holders) could be reduced if the unemployment rate continues to rise.

The unemployment rate has reached 2.9 per cent, an increase of 0.2 per cent compared to the previous month, surpassing the 2009-2011 levels when the city was impacted by the global financial crisis.

In December 2020, gaming operators reported hiring 26,102 non-resident workers, accounting for about 24 per cent of workers.

In a bid to boost tourism, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has launched subsidised staycations for residents and is seeking to extend its incentive scheme for mainland Chinese tourists to other countries.