Number of non-resident Macau casino workers drops 32%

A report reveals that by the end of 2021, the number of non-local workers employed by all six gaming operators in Macau has fallen by a third.

Macau.- The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has reported that by the end of 2021, the number of non-local workers employed by all six gaming operators in Macau had fallen by 32 per cent during the Covid-19 pandemic. Of the 23,676 foreign workers in the sector before the pandemic, some 11,434 left their jobs.

Legislator Lei Chan U has asked authorities how the current foreign employment policy could help improve local employment, pointing out that the departure of foreign workers does not necessarily mean locals are hired.

The DSAL said it will continue offering training for local residents seeking employment and will review labour market conditions to control the number of non-local employees.

The department stated: “For large enterprises with quotas to have non-local employees of the same occupation, especially the six gaming concessionaires, referrals will be made and the results of job matching will be followed up.”

In added: “If there are suitable or sufficient local employees for the relevant positions, no approval will be given for applications for foreign employments for the corresponding occupation, or the company will be required to arrange for relevant foreign employees to leave the field, to promote the preferential employment of local employees.”

Macau gaming tax revenue increases 13% year-on-year in 2021

Macau’s Financial Services Bureau has reported that the government collected nearly MOP33.9bn (US$4.22bn) in fiscal revenues from direct taxes on gaming in 2021. That figure represents a 13.8 per cent increase year-on-year.

The collection was just over the government’s last estimation in November (MOP33.7bn) but well below the original budget forecast of MOP50bn. Direct taxes from gaming accounted for 67.2 per cent of the Macau government’s total revenue of MOP50.4bn last year.

See also: Macau gaming revenue remains strong after Chinese New Year