Macau’s labor market showed signs of stability in the latest employment survey covering November 2024 to January 2025.
According to the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), the general unemployment rate declined slightly to 1.6 percent, while the unemployment rate among local residents fell to 2.1 percent, marking a decrease of 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points, respectively, from the previous period.
The total labor force residing in Macau reached 382,500, reflecting a slight decline from the prior reporting period. Employment levels also dipped, with the total employed population decreasing by 2,000 to 376,300, and the number of employed residents dropping by 1,000 to 285,000. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate saw a reduction of 0.2 percentage points, settling at 1.3 percent.
The labor force participation rate also registered a decline, with the general rate falling by 0.5 percentage points to 67.2 percent and the participation rate among local residents dropping by 0.3 percentage points to 61.8 percent. These figures indicate a marginal contraction in the workforce, possibly influenced by shifts in employment patterns across key industries.
Breaking down employment by sector, the gaming and recreational services industry remains the dominant employer, accounting for 22.4 percent of the workforce. The hospitality sector, encompassing hotels and restaurants, follows at 13.4 percent, while wholesale and retail trade contribute 11.0 percent. Other significant employment sectors include real estate and business activities (8.9 percent), public administration and social security (8.6 percent), and domestic work (7.4 percent). The construction industry, which has experienced fluctuations in recent years, represented 6.4 percent of total employment.
According to preliminary estimates, approximately 104,900 workers commuted daily from outside Macau for employment during the reference period. Including these individuals, the total labor force would be around 487,500, reflecting a slight decrease of 2,100 from the previous period.
The Macau government continues to monitor labor market trends closely, with economic recovery efforts and the gaming sector’s performance playing a crucial role in workforce dynamics. As the city navigates ongoing global economic shifts, maintaining employment stability remains a key focus for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
