The Macau Metro Monitor, December 16th, 2010
TAM: SANDS' REQUEST FOR PLOTS 7,8 CAME LATE Macau Daily Times
Secretary Tam said Sands' application for sites 7 & 8 was submitted after the Macau Government announced in 2008 that it would not accept any new land requests for the development of gaming projects. Tam also revealed that since Wynn Macau, MGM Macau, and SJM submitted their Cotai applications before that policy was stated, it’s likely their requests will be approved.
When asked about the approval of 2,000 imported workers for Galaxy Macau, he explained that it was needed to make sure the property has sufficient workers for the property opening early next year. He added that Galaxy must hire at least 4,000 locals in order to receive the 2,000 foreign laborers quota. Galaxy has said that it needs 8,000 workers to open its new resort.
As for why Sands' plots 5 & 6 have not received the green light to hire foreign construction workers, Tam responded, "The Government has to ensure the growth of the gaming industry is happening in an orderly fashion."