The Macau SAR Government says maintaining a minimum 85% threshold of local employees filling middle and senior management positions for gaming licensees would be included in amendments to Macau’s gaming law due next year.
Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, raised the issue during his 2021 policy address for the economy and finance areas in the Legislative Assembly (AL) on Friday while answering questions from legislators.
The 85% threshold was first mentioned as part of the SAR’s Five-Year Development Plan in 2016 with the government stating it hoped to improve from 81.9% at the time to at least 85% by 2020. That figure currently sits at 88.5% with 8,809 of 9,959 current middle and senior management staff being locals. The number of non-resident workers at Macau’s six gaming concessionaires has also fallen by 6,614 this year to 28,496.
According to Lei, it is important to train more locals to access management levels in gaming companies with the government set to require gaming operators to strengthen training programs for local employees.
Lei also emphasized that any amendments to Macau’s gaming law must be made cautiously since it relates to the sustainable development of the city’s future.
Although he did not provide further practical details about potential amendments, he insisted the SAR government was continuing with preparatory works.
“Our goal is clear,” Lei said. “We must consider cautiously for the public consultation, legislative progress and the re-tendering of gaming licenses as it relates to the future of Macau.”
The Secretary said it would look to facilitate the joint development of the gaming and tourism industry, including the promotion of “tourism+” events for travelers. Operators could, for example, develop more international sporting events, promote MICE and provide activities for promoting gastronomy and culture within Macau.
