Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region/Chapter IV/Section 6

Section 6

 * Public Servants

Article 97

Public servants serving in the Macao Special Administrative Region must be permanent residents of the Region, except for those as prescribed by Articles 98 and 99 of this Law and except for technical personnel of certain professions and junior public servants recruited by the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Article 98

Upon the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region, public servants including the police and supporting members of the judiciary previously serving in Macao may all remain in employment, continue service and retain their seniority with pay, allowances, benefits and conditions of service no less favourable than before.

The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region shall pay to the above-mentioned public servants who are entitled to pensions and allowances under the laws previously in force in Macao and who remain in employment and retire after the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region, or to their dependents, all pensions and allowances due to them on terms no less favourable than before, and irrespective of their nationality or place of residence.

Article 99

The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region may employ Portuguese and other foreign nationals previously serving in the public service in Macao, or those holding permanent identity cards of the Region, to serve as public servants in government departments at all levels, unless otherwise provided by this Law.

The relevant government departments of the Macao Special Administrative Region may also employ Portuguese and other foreign nationals as advisers or to fill professional and technical posts.

These individuals shall be employed only in their individual capacities and shall be responsible to the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Article 100

The appointment and promotion of public servants shall be on the basis of their qualifications, experience and ability. Macao's previous system of employment, discipline, advanced and regular promotion may basically remain unchanged, but may be improved along with the development of the Macao society.