News

Since the Public Security Authority in Mainland announced the “Guidance Notes on Application for Adult Children of Macao Residents in Mainland to Enter Macao for Residence” (hereinafter called “Guidance Notes”) in 2009, the public in Macao from different areas have been showing welcome and appreciation. Nevertheless, different requests were made by some of the Macao residents regarding reunion with their Mainland relatives. They mainly request the SAR Government to recognize their Macao resident status during the time of possessing “Temporary Stay Permit” before obtaining their Macao Resident Card, and to issue a certificate to have their children in Mainland included under the scope of “Adult Children”. In pursuant to the stipulation of Article 22 of the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, Mainland residents entering Macao for residence is governed by the Central Government. The Central Government has clearly defined the principle and the scope to settle the issue of “Adult Children” of Macao residents. “Adult Children” refers to the Mainland-born children of Macao residents, who was qualified at the time of applying for family reunion but had become overage during the application process and whose application was declined due to such reason. The abovementioned “Guidance Notes” is framed in accordance with this definition. The SAR Government should enforce and cooperate in line with relevant policy measures of the Central Government. It should be noted that, in accordance with Article 4 (2) of Decree No.29/90/M which governs “Temporary Stay Permit”, the holders of “Temporary Stay Permit” are not recognized as residents. In pursuant to Article 4 (2) of Law No.8/1999 (“Law of Macao SAR Permanent Residents and Right of Abode”), persons who are only allowed to stay are not considered as residing in Macao and hence, their period of stay cannot be counted as ordinarily resident period. Therefore, the Mainland children of Macao residents who possessed “Temporary Stay Permit” and have made the abovementioned request were originally unable to fulfill the requirements for applying to reside in Macao and was not allowed to made such application in those years. As a result, they are not under the scope of “Adult Children” specified in the aforesaid “Guidance Notes”. The SAR Government believes that the issue of “Adult Children” has reached a reasonable and complete settlement. Any Mainland relatives of Macao residents who are not within the scope of “Adult Children” specified in the said “Guidance Notes” must make the application to reside in Macao according to the existing requirements of the Public Security Authority in Mainland.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Composite CPI (102.14) for January 2010 increased by 0.12% year-on-year. Price indices of Clothing & Footwear; Transport; Miscellaneous Goods & Services; and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages rose by 9.95%, 6.99%, 4.51%, and 3.60% respectively, attributable to higher prices of clothing in spite of the seasonal sales, and rising prices of gasoline, gold jewellery, meals bought away from home, fresh fish and vegetables. On the contrary, apart from the 18.95% decrease of the price index of Education, reduced charges for mobile phone services and lower rentals for housing drove the price indices of Communication; and Housing & Fuels down by 3.28% and 2.75% respectively. The CPI-A (101.66) for January 2010 decreased by 0.84% year-on-year, while the CPI-B (102.20) increased by 0.35%. The Composite CPI for January 2010 decreased slightly by 0.03% month-to-month, of which the price indices of Communication and Clothing & Footwear dropped by 3.26% and 2.84% respectively on account of reduced charges for mobile phone services as well as seasonal sales of clothing. However, price indices of Transport and Health increased by 1.25% and 0.69% respectively due to rising prices of gasoline and higher charges for medical consultation. Meanwhile, the CPI-A rose marginally by 0.02% month-to-month, while the CPI-B decreased by 0.06%. For the 12 months ended January 2010, the average Composite CPI rose by 0.71% over the preceding period. The Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The 2008/2009 based CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the number of visitor and non-resident arrivals was 2,533,068 in January 2010; visitor arrivals totalled 2,046,556, up by 6.8% year-on-year. Same-day visitors (1,040,977) accounted for 50.9% of the total visitor arrivals, with 565,212 coming from Mainland China. Analyzed by place of residence, visitors from Mainland China increased by 18.9% year-on-year to 1,131,660 (55.3% of total visitor arrivals), with 447,681 travelling to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme, down by 21.7% from January 2009 (571,930). Visitors from Taiwan, China (115,673), Japan (35,641), Republic of Korea (30,302) and Malaysia (26,718) rose by 11.8%, 11.9%, 63.9% and 31.2% respectively; however, those from Hong Kong (544,603) registered a decrease of 15.7%. Analysed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea totalled 799,594 in January 2010, down slightly by 0.2% year-on-year. Visitors arriving at the Outer Harbour decreased by 8.7% to 511,155 whereas those arriving at the Provisional Ferry Terminal in Taipa increased by 27.4% to 262,655. Visitor arrivals by land was 1,098,588, up by 9.9% year-on-year, those arriving through the Border Gate totalled 1,017,313 and the majority were visitors from Mainland China (80.9%) and Hong Kong (11.9%). Visitor arrivals by air rose by 30.2% year-on-year to 148,374. Visitors arriving at the Macao International Airport increased by 31.8% to 146,214, with the majority coming from Taiwan, China (36.9%), Mainland China (30.1%) and Malaysia (7.0%).
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, had expressed his condolences to the Portuguese people over the tragedy caused by floods on Madeira island. In a letter to the Prime Minister of Portugal, Mr José Sócrates, on Monday, Mr Chui expressed his heartfelt compassion to the people in the time of sadness. He wished them speedy and smooth rescue operations in the affected areas.
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Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On said today the Government attached much importance to enhancing the environment of people living in the older districts. Mr Chui said this as he visited a number of older districts today and spoke to residents and representatives of community associations. Most of the residents told Mr Chui they hoped the Government could improve the business environment, solve the problem of flooding during torrential downpours and traffic congestion. Mr Chui said the Government would analyse their views and follow up on the issues according to their priorities. He re-assured them that the Government attached much importance to issues affecting the quality of lives of the residents in the older districts, including housing, traffic and social security.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that value of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2009 was MOP 6.48 billion, for which retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery took the largest share of 23% of the total, at MOP 1.48 billion. Retail sales of Goods in Department Stores accounted for 16%, Adults' Clothing (10%), Goods in Supermarkets (8%), Motor Vehicles (7%), Cosmetics and Sanitary Articles (3%), Automotive Fuels (3%), Communication Equipment (3%) and Goods in Pharmacies (3%). Value of retail sales for the fourth quarter surged by 28% from a year earlier (5.07 billion) and 18% from the revised MOP 5.52 billion in the third quarter of 2009. Total value of retail sales for the whole year of 2009 amounted to MOP 22.11 billion, up by 16% over 2008, with notable increase in the retail sales of Goods in Department Stores (+41%), Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+33%) and Adults' Clothing (+25%); however, sales of Fuels for Household Use and Automotive Fuels decreased by 24% and 22% respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2009, about 34% of the retailers reported decrease in the sales volume from the third quarter, down by 19 percentage points from the previous quarter; 66% reported that the sales volume remained stable or showed increase. In terms of retail prices, about 61% reported that the prices were stable, 18% stated that the prices increased whereas 21% reported the prices decreased. Compared with the fourth quarter of 2008, about 58% said that the stock level was normal in the fourth quarter of 2009, while 26% indicated that the stock level was low. Regarding the business outlook for the first quarter of 2010, about 75% expect sales volume will increase or remain stable compared with the fourth quarter of 2009 with 25% expecting a decrease. Meanwhile, about 80% expect the retail prices will remain stable or increase, while 20% expect a decrease. After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2009 rose by 19.2% year-on-year, of which sales volume of Goods in Department Stores; and Motor Vehicles increased by 32.9% and 30.8% respectively; on the contrary, sales volume of Automotive Fuels and Fuels for Household Use decreased by 10.0% and 5.9%. Compared with the third quarter, sales volume in the fourth quarter registered a 13.3% increase. For the whole year of 2009, retail sales volume rose by 12.4% from 2008.
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More than a hundred world experts in aeronautical meteorology attended the 14th session of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology (CAeM) in Hong Kong. On behalf of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) sent representatives to attend the meeting. Through participation in international meetings and interchange of technical knowledge with experts around the world, SMG has been improving the application of meteorology into aviation industry, which helps to ensure the safety of aviation activities more effectively. The session was held during 3rd to 10th February in Hong Kong, which marks the first time a major international meeting on aeronautical meteorology in Asia. Representatives of SMG included sub-director Mr. António Viseu and the director of the Center for Aeronautical Meteorology Mr. Ku Chi Meng. Meteorological information is important to aviation activities. SMG being the aviation servicing department to the Macao International Airport has always been committed to provide a high standard of weather service for aviation. In addition to providing precise weather forecasts and warnings to aviation working units, SMG has also been enhancing their level of scientific knowledge in order to ensure a smooth operation for air traffics. The Macao SAR has become a Member of the World Meteorological Organization since 1996, and CAeM is one of the technical commissions of WMO. The meeting is held every four years to discuss the progress and future development in the provision of aviation weather services, as well as to standardize the techniques and operational procedures of the Members. The Secretary-General of WMO, Michel Jarraud, highlighted at the opening ceremony the “significant impacts on providing aviation weather services in the 21st century”. These included establishing standards of competence for the meteorological personnel serving in the aviation industry, extending the coverage of weather forecasts in airspace and implementing quality management system for aviation weather service. On the other hand, the meeting also addressed the link between aviation and climate. In view of the anticipated increase in extreme weather, different regions should consider improving their weather warnings mechanisms accordingly.
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In response to the travel notice issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China directed towards Chinese citizens and in light of recent news stories referring that some local organizations will likely engage in protest activities in Thailand, the Tourism Crisis Management Office would like to remind the Macao residents who are planning to travel to Thailand to monitor the situation there or adjust travel itineraries if necessary. As for those who are currently travelling in Thailand, please avoid visiting protest locations and remain cautious for personal safety. In case of any emergency, please contact the Chinese Embassies in Thailand for assistance – Chinese Embassy in Bangkok: (66) 2-2457044, Chinese Consulate-General in Ching Mai: (66) 53-276125 and Chinese Consulate-General in Songkhla: (66) 1-7665560. Macao residents may also call the Macau Tourism Hotline: (853) 28333000 for assistance.
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The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released results of the Employment Survey for the fourth quarter of 2009, of which principal indicators such as the overall unemployment rate (3.1%), unemployment rate of local residents (3.7 %), etc. have been published in January. Total labour force was 322,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009, comprising 312,000 employed and 9,900 unemployed. Compared with the third quarter, total labour force registered a decrease of 5,800, with number of the employed and the unemployed decreasing by 3,400 and 2,400 respectively. Analyzed by industry, the majority of the employed were engaging in Recreational, Cultural, Gaming & Other Services (23.4%) and Hotels, Restaurants & Similar Activities (14.2%). In terms of occupation, most of the employed were Clerks (including casino dealers, floorpersons, betting service operators, etc.) and Service & Sales Workers, accounting for 26.0% and 23.0% respectively. Median monthly employment earnings of the employed amounted to MOP9,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009, up by 5.9% quarter-to-quarter; meanwhile, median monthly employment earnings of the employed residents held stable as the previous quarter, at MOP10,000. Number of the underemployed totalled 6,000, with 68.8% engaging in Construction and 13.6% in Transport, Storage & Communications sectors. Within the unemployed, 89.3% were searching for a new job and 10.7% were fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job. With regard to educational attainment, 31.3% had primary education or lower, 30.9% had junior secondary education and 24.8% had senior secondary education. For the unemployed that were searching for a new job, analyzed by industry previously engaged, 36.0% had worked in Construction and 13.4% in Hotels, Restaurants & Similar Activities. Analyzed by previous occupation, 27.6% were Craftsmen & Similar Workers and 24.5% were Unskilled Workers. For the whole year of 2009, median monthly employment earnings of the employed (MOP8,500) and the local residents (MOP10,000) rose by 6.3% and 5.3% respectively over 2008. Starting 2009, DSEC releases annual employment indicators of households. In 2009, average number of employed per household was 1.7 and the median monthly employment earnings per household amounted to MOP15,800.
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O Boletim Oficial da Região Administrativa Especial de Macau (RAEM) publicou hoje (22 de Fevereiro) o despacho nº 41/2010 do Chefe do Executivo, o qual cria o Gabinete de Porta-voz do Governo
Segundo o despacho, a comunicação com os cidadãos constitui uma das prioridades do Governo. O diálogo com os cidadãos, sociedade civil e os meios de comunicação social bem como o reforço da transparência justificam a necessária institucionalização de um mecanismo que assegure uma comunicação efectiva e objectiva. O Gabinete do Porta-voz do Governo adiante designado Gabinete do Porta-voz, com a natureza de equipa de projecto. Ao Gabinete do Porta-voz incumbe, designadamente: Definir, coordenar e concertar a execução da estratégia informativa do Governo; Assegurar de forma coerente, eficaz e integrada a comunicação do Governo; Fomentar as relações com os meios de comunicação social e com a população em tudo o que respeite às políticas, medidas e actividades do Governo.
O Gabinete do Porta-voz funciona na directa dependência e sob orientação do Chefe do Executivo e desenvolve a sua actividade em articulação com o Gabinete de Comunicação Social. Este é orientado pelo Porta-voz do Governo, coadjuvado pelo Porta-voz adjunto, nomeado por despacho do Chefe do Executivo, o qual pode exercer o cargo em regime de acumulação. É dever de todos os serviços e entidades públicas cooperarem com o Gabinete do Porta-voz, nomeadamente prestando apoio técnico e disponibilizando informação tempestiva no âmbito das suas actividades, sempre que tal lhes seja solicitado.
O Gabinete do Porta-voz, enquanto equipa de projecto, tem a duração previsível de 2 anos, renováveis.
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