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Hiring Imported Labour for Logistics & Warehousing

Stock clerks, storekeepers and forklift operators are ESLS common posts. Note: airport frontline cargo posts follow the separate Transport Sector scheme.

Updated for the 16 June 2026 rulesRatio: 2:1Recruitment: 4 weeks

Key rules for logistics employers

Urban warehouses, e-commerce fulfilment and cold storage hire via the ESLS at Tier 1 (2:1, 4 weeks). Airport cargo terminal and aviation frontline posts (10 designated roles) fall under the Transport Sector Imported Labour Scheme coordinated by the Airport Authority instead. Forklift operation requires a locally recognised certificate obtainable after arrival — we select candidates with hands-on experience and arrange the course.

Common posts and median wages

PostMonthly median wage (HKD)Entry requirements
Stock clerk / order picker / storekeeper (freight)$14,360P6 · 1 yr experience · 8 hrs/day
Storekeeper / logistics assistant (other sectors)$15,580P6 · 1 yr experience
Forklift operator$16,520P6 · 1 yr experience
Dispatch / load planner$18,370F5 · 3 yrs experience

Source: Labour Department, "ESLS List of Common Posts" (revised 22 June 2026), official PDF. Median wages are updated periodically; the figure at time of application prevails.

📌 One-off government costs: Employees Retraining Levy HK$9,600 + visa fee HK$330 = HK$9,930 per worker. Our service fee, local recruitment advertising and dormitory deposit are all $0. Monthly costs: wages (not below the median) plus accommodation — for approvals on/after 16 June 2026, employers may deduct up to 20% of monthly wages or the actual accommodation cost, whichever is lower.

Application process and timeline

An ESLS application typically takes 4–6 months: submission (form ESLS-1A/1B) → local open recruitment → Labour Advisory Board assessment and approval-in-principle → candidate matching via licensed mainland labour agencies → Immigration Department visa → arrival and onboarding. We handle all documentation, recruitment advertising and follow-up at zero service fee to employers.

FAQ

Can I apply for delivery truck drivers?
Truck driver is not on the common post list; it requires a non-common post application (ESLS-1B) with longer screening, and a Hong Kong driving licence. Feasibility depends on the role design — ask us first.
Two warehouses in different districts — one application?
Yes, declare both addresses in the application (within 5 districts) and workers may rotate between them.
Can imported staff work overtime in peak season?
Yes with contractual overtime pay, capped at 12 working hours in any 24-hour period, and never on loan to another company.

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