The grace period for small employers under the Race Discrimination Ordinance (RDO) will expire tomorrow (17 July 2011). This exemption, in effect for the first three years after the enactment of the RDO in July 2008, was applicable to employers with no more than a total of five employees. Small employers, like all other employers, must observe the employment-related provisions of the RDO.

Mr. LAM Woon-kwong, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), said, “Small employers form a large portion of all employers in Hong Kong, and their actions can have a powerful effect in helping to eliminate race discrimination from our society. The EOC urges all employers, regardless of size, to take steps to advance equal opportunities and promote a positive work environment.”

The RDO provides protection against racial discrimination in areas including employment, education, and provision of goods, facilities and services. Employers may refer to the Code of Practice on Employment under the Race Discrimination Ordinance for a practical guide on how to implement the RDO and promote racial equality in the workplace. The Code of Practice is available in Chinese and English, as well as in Hindi, Indonesian, Nepali, Tagalog, Thai, and Urdu.

For media enquiries, please contact Mr. Sam HO at 2106-187.

Equal Opportunities Commission
16 July 2011