The percentage of people unemployed in Macao’s labour force returned to its corresponding 2019 level during the second quarter, according to the Statistics and Census Service (also known by its Portuguese initials DSEC). The general unemployment rate – combining local and non-resident workers – was 1.7 percent, while the locals-only rate was a slightly higher 2.3 percent.
Both rates experienced quarterly drops of 0.4 percent.
While median monthly earnings fell in the second quarter, this was due to the large number of bonuses given out earlier in the year – leading to a relatively high base of comparison, DSEC explained. Median earnings for non-residents came in at 17,000 patacas, while residents earned 20,000 patacas.
[See more: Latest figures show a rise in hospitality sector employment in Macao]
The number of people with jobs in the SAR during the second quarter totalled 376,400. That was a 5,300 rise on the previous quarter, with the number of employed local residents (totalling 287,000) increasing by 3,000. According to DSEC, the boost was “underpinned by non-gaming industries.”
In fact, the number of people working in the gaming sector decreased by 1,100. The real estate and business activities sector also saw a decline of 1,600 people, possibly reflecting ongoing struggles in Macao’s property market.
Macao’s employment numbers have been steadily recovering since the city’s zero Covid policy was dismantled at the start of 2023. At the height of the pandemic restrictions in mid-2022, the city recorded general and local unemployment rates of 4.3 percent and 5.5 percent respectively, along with a jobless population of 16,300 people.
