The Labour Importation Scheme for the Transport Sector will be open for applications from July 17, the Transport & Logistics Bureau announced today.

The quota ceiling for the aviation industry is 6,300 while it is 1,700 for the public light bus or coach trade.

The Airport Authority will organise a briefing for the industry on July 12 to explain the scheme's application procedures and operational details for the aviation industry.

Applicants must be registered business entities which possess a contract, licence, franchise or passenger handling permit with the authority to operate their business at Hong Kong International Airport.

They also have to pay the authority $400 per month for each worker imported, while the authority will contribute an annual lump sum in an amount of the same magnitude as the total amount paid by employers, for subsidising transport costs of the local frontline staff responsible for airport operation.

They shall submit the completed application form together with other required documents to the authority between July 17 and 30.

An interdepartmental liaison group comprising representatives from the bureau, the Labour Department (LD) and the authority will consider the applications, and approval decisions will be made by the Permanent Secretary for Transport & Logistics.

The approval process will be completed within one month from the date of receipt of applications by the authority.

The specified job types for which the importation of labour is allowed are those facing the most acute manpower shortage, including passenger services officers, ramp services agents, cabin workers, aircraft maintenance mechanics/technicians, tractor drivers, warehouse operators/cargo handlers, equipment/loader operators, customer services agents, aircraft tug drivers and maintenance technicians.

In respect of the public transport services, importation of public light bus or coach drivers is allowed.

Passenger Service Licence holders of public light bus or public bus services who wish to apply for importation of drivers shall submit the completed application form together with other required documents to the Transport Department (TD) between July 17 and August 7.

An interdepartmental liaison group comprising representatives from the bureau, the TD and the LD will consider the applications, and approval decisions will be made by the Commissioner for Transport.

The approval process will be completed within one to two months from the date of receipt of applications by the TD.

During the application period, the TD will meet representatives of the trade to explain the application procedures and operational details as well as setting up designated enquiry lines to provide one-to-one assistance for prospective applicants.

For enquiries, call the authority at 2188 6603 or the TD at 2804 2600.