Acting Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk said on Thursday the government is looking at ways to improve a labour importation scheme.

The Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme, introduced about one and a half years ago, allows foreign workers to be brought in under 26 low-skilled job categories.

The scheme is set to expire in September.

“The scheme has brought its desired effect into play,” Cheuk said at a government Labour Day reception.

"Those brought in have effectively supplemented the labour force, improved services and fostered business development.

“We are reviewing and enhancing the scheme.

"We will consider the opinions by employer and labour groups in order to decide the future direction of the scheme."

Cheuk also expressed gratitude to all workers in the city, saying their hard work contributed to the prosperity and progress of Hong Kong.

Lawmakers, representatives from the business and labour sectors, as well as officials such as Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun and Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare Alice Lau also attended the event.