ABSTRACT
As in the case of Hong Kong, Macao still maintains its original political and economic systems since its return to the People’s Republic of China in 1999. However, compared with Hong Kong, Macao is a mini-economy with a low volume of domestic economic activities, a small population and limited land. Its economic structure is highly dependent on the outside world, especially mainland China, though its economy is relatively independent institutionally. It is because of its economic size and external dependence that the Macao economy is vulnerable and sensitive to external changes and experiences many fluctuations (Zhao 2005); this is also true for Macao’s labour market. Therefore, any discussion on Macao’s unemployment should not ignore the reality that Macao is greatly influenced by globalization and migration.
