Labour Relations Law: Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law

On 5 June 2019, Macau's Executive Council completed discussion on the amendment bill to the Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law. The bill aims to distinguish the purpose of entry for non-local residents, bringing it in line with Macau's current immigration system. The bill proposes that non-local residents must hold an entry permit issued by Macau's immigration authorities for the purpose of employment.

Some employers ask: why aren't agencies being regulated? Others say: won't it be harder to hire workers after the law takes effect? Here are my thoughts based on experience.

Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law 1

Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law 2

★ Why Distinguish Entry Purposes?

This law is designed to strengthen the regulation of foreign labour import and management, addressing the problem of non-local residents entering Macau as tourists and then converting to foreign workers. Simply put, you can no longer enter on a tourist visa and then switch to a work permit. You must have an entry permit for employment purposes to enter for work.

★ Impact on Employers

For employers who have always hired overseas foreign workers through legal channels, the impact is minimal, as they were already following proper procedures. But for employers accustomed to hiring 'ready-available' workers, the impact is more significant, as they previously could bring workers in on tourist visas for trial work — and that's no longer allowed.

Some employers worry that hiring will become harder after the law takes effect, but that's not the case. The process is simply more standardised. As long as you go through a licensed employment agency like A one Employment, following proper procedures, you can still hire suitable foreign workers. And the advantages of overseas workers are: honest personality, high obedience, and no bad habits picked up from Macau circles.

★ Regulation of Agencies

As for why agencies aren't being regulated — the government has always regulated employment agencies. All legally operating agencies must hold a licence. When hiring foreign workers, employers must use licensed agencies to ensure protection. If you use unlicensed 'black agencies,' no one can help you if something goes wrong.

A one Employment is a licensed employment agency, and all our procedures are fully compliant. From sending CVs, interviews, medical exams, training, and visas to Blue Card processing — we provide one-stop full service, so employers don't need to worry.

★ Conclusion

The legislative amendments are ultimately good for the industry, as they weed out non-compliant agencies and practices. For employers, while it may seem inconvenient in the short term, in the long run, legally compliant foreign workers are more reliable and won't run into visa problems.

If you have any questions about the Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law, feel free to WhatsApp us.

💡 What is the Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law?

The Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law is the principal Macau law (Law No. 21/2009) that regulates how employers hire non-resident workers. It requires employers to obtain a foreign worker permit first, then a work-purpose entry permit, before the worker can be lawfully employed and issued a Blue Card.

Tourist-Visa Conversion vs Work-Purpose Entry Permit

Aspect	Tourist-Visa Conversion (illegal)	Work-Purpose Entry Permit (legal)
Entry purpose	Tourism	Employment
Legality	Illegal work risk, fines	Lawful employment
Blue Card	None	Issued — proof of legal work
Labour protection	None	Protected by Labour Relations Law

3 Steps to Hire Compliantly

Engage a DSAL-licensed agency (e.g. A one Employment) to assess your needs and nationality requirements.

Follow the proper process: apply for the foreign worker permit → entry permit → medical/training → Blue Card issuance.

Sign a contract of up to 2 years, and renew 30–45 days before expiry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law?
A: The principal Macau law (Law No. 21/2009) governing foreign worker hiring — non-residents must hold a work-purpose entry permit to be employed legally.

Q: What changed in the 2019 amendment?
A: It banned entering on a tourist visa and then converting to a foreign worker; a work-purpose entry permit is now required. Employers who already used proper channels are largely unaffected.

Q: How do I ensure my hiring is legal?
A: Always use a licensed employment agency and follow the foreign worker permit, entry permit, and Blue Card process — avoid unlicensed "black agencies".

Ming

Sister Ming · HR Consultant

Having worked in employment agencies for several years, I've seen all sorts of strange experiences with hiring foreign workers in Macau. I want to record these stories so everyone can better understand Macau's foreign labour situation.