Property management sector cites 25% guard shortage amid imported labour backlash

Industry leaders from Hong Kong's property management sector have highlighted a persistent 25% shortfall in security staff, defending a major housing estate's decision to recruit one-third of its guards from mainland China. The owners' corporation of Richland Gardens in Kowloon Bay recently announced hiring 31 mainland Chinese guards through a government labour import scheme, which allows firms to bring in low-skilled workers if local recruitment fails. The move ignited backlash from labour sector lawmakers and social media users, who questioned whether the estate genuinely struggled to recruit locals or if the pay was unattractive.

The owners' corporation told the South China Morning Post that the recruitment was “necessary” after facing security staff shortages for at least four years. Critics argue the scheme may sideline local workers and reduce job opportunities. Industry leaders maintain that cross-border recruitment is essential to fill critical gaps in the property management workforce, as local labour supply remains insufficient despite market demand.