Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung says the Government will consider new measures to enhance ethnic
minorities' awareness and use of public services.
The Commission on Poverty today released a report on ethnic minorities' awareness and
satisfaction of four major public services provided by the Employees Retraining Board,
the Home Affairs Department, the Labour Department and the Social Welfare Department.
Commenting on the report, Mr Cheung, who is also chairman of the commission, said the
Government attaches great importance to the well-being of ethnic minorities and is concerned
about the issues raised in the study.
Hong Kong is home to ethnic minority people who have taken root here. The Government has all
along been facilitating their integration into society through support measures in different areas.
In view of the findings and recomendations of the study, bureaus and departments concerned will
continue to improve their existing services and explore new measures to enhance ethnic
minorities' awareness and use of public services.
The research team noted in the report government departments and public bodies have been
improving their services for ethnic minorities in recent years, adding some services were
enhanced without additional resources being provided.
However, the study suggested improving the promotion of social integration, the understanding
ethnic minorities' needs, the promotion of services, translation and interpretation services,
and building long-term relationships and mutual trust with ethnic minorities.
It also suggested enhancing contractual arrangements for the Support Service Centres for
Ethnic Minorities and strengthening collaboration between government departments and public
bodies in promoting their services.