At least six local employees from the back-office department of a Macau gaming operator have sought assistance from lawmakers after receiving sudden termination notices on 28 February. The company, which has not been named, reportedly provided no explanation for the layoffs or any alternative job placements, raising concerns over unfair dismissals.

Macau legislator Lam U Tou, who brought the issue to public attention, criticised the operator for failing to uphold its social responsibility. He urged the government to investigate the matter and intervene to reinstate the affected workers, according to a local news ALLINMEDIA.

Layoffs extend beyond one department

According to Lam, the dismissed employees stated that similar layoffs had taken place in other departments within the company. They also claimed that industry rumours since early 2025 suggested the government had allowed gaming operators to proceed with dismissals.

Out of Macau’s six gaming concessionaires, five have allegedly begun laying off non-gaming staff, leaving only one yet to take similar action. Lam emphasised that these layoffs come at a time when Macau’s gaming and tourism industries have rebounded, but the local economy remains weak.

Impact on local employment

Despite gaming operators returning to profitability, Macau’s job market remains fragile. Many small and medium-sized enterprises are still struggling post-pandemic, and employment opportunities for local residents have declined.

Official data shows that as of June 2024, gaming operators in Macau employed over 27,000 non-resident workers. Lam argued that dismissing local employees while retaining a large number of non-resident staff raises serious concerns. He stated that such actions not only put local workers at risk but also set a worrying precedent for the industry.

Government urged to act

Lam has called on the government to launch an investigation and clarify why gaming operators are being allowed to lay off local staff without offering job transfers or alternative roles. He stressed that the authorities must ensure companies follow their contractual obligations to prioritise local employment.

Source