Employment of foreign domestic helpers

Basic information

address: Immigration Department, Immigration Building, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Telephone:  2824 6111 e-mail:  enquiry@immd.gov.hk website: https://www.immd.gov.hk/hkt/fdh.html

Foreign domestic helpers contract renewal

The following is a summary of the process and points for attention for domestic helpers to renew their contracts on their own for reference by Hong Kong employers: Self-renewal conditions Both parties agree to renew the contract: the domestic worker and the employer agree to continue the original contract terms (such as salary, responsibilities, etc.). Contract Term: The new contract period is generally 2 years, calculated from the end date of the existing contract. Application deadline: Application must be submitted within 8 weeks before the expiration of the current contract. Renewal process Fill out the form Employer: Fill in ID988B Form (Part 2 of the Application Form for Employing Domestic Helpers from Abroad). Foreign domestic helpers: Fill in Form ID988A (Part 1) and Form ID91 (“Application for Extension of Stay”). Prepare your documents Employers need to submit: ✅ Copy of existing contract ✅ Copy of employer’s Hong Kong identity card/passport ✅ Latest financial proof (such as tax bills, bank deposits, etc., to prove the ability to continue to employ) ✅ A copy of the domestic helper’s travel document and Hong Kong identity card Foreign domestic helpers need to submit: ✅ New contracts signed (ID407 Standard Contract ✅ Proof of original address (required in some countries) Submit your application Submit all the documents to the Foreign Domestic Helpers Section of the Immigration Department (3/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai). You can choose to submit by mail or in person. It is recommended to keep the receipt to track the progress. Waiting for approval It usually takes 2-4 weeks, and after approval, the foreign domestic worker will receive an "extended stay" visa (usually granted for 2 years). If you are asked to submit additional documents, they must be processed promptly to avoid delays. Precautions Foreign domestic workers do not need to leave Hong Kong: After successfully renewing their contracts, foreign domestic workers can change their visas directly in Hong Kong without having to return to their place of origin. Protection of original rights and interests: After contract renewal, foreign domestic workers will enjoy the original benefits (such as annual leave, medical care, etc.), and employers need to continue to fulfill their responsibilities. Avoid agency fees: Renewing the contract yourself can save you the agency service fees, but you need to ensure that the documents are correct. Overstay penalty: If the domestic worker’s visa expires but is not renewed, it is considered illegal stay and the employer may be held responsible. FAQ Do I need to purchase insurance again? ✅ Yes, employers need to renew their foreign domestic helpers’ employees’ compensation insurance (labor insurance). Can a domestic helper change employers after contract renewal? ❌ No, contract renewal only applies to the original employer-domestic domestic worker relationship. If you need to change employers, you must apply for a new visa. What should I do if my application is rejected? You need to provide additional documents or explain the reasons as required by the Immigration Department, and you can file a written appeal if necessary. cost Visa extension application fee: HKD 230 Other possible expenses: medical examination fees for foreign domestic workers, insurance premiums, etc. It is recommended to plan the renewal in advance and refer to the official guidance of the Immigration Department (Government website) to ensure compliance with the latest regulations. If you have any questions, please contact the Immigration Department directly (Tel: 2824 6111).

Foreign domestic helper contract sample

id407 employment contract download

https://www.immd.gov.hk/hkt/forms/hk-visas/foreign-domestic-helpers.html

Foreign domestic workers legislation

Basic Policy

Since the 1970s, the Government has allowed foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to come to Hong Kong to work to address the shortage of local full-time live-in domestic helpers. The arrangement is in line with the basic principle of the Government's labour policy, namely that local workers enjoy priority in employment opportunities and employers may only import foreign workers if they are unable to recruit suitable local workers in Hong Kong.

In addition to enjoying the same protection as local employees under labour laws, the standard employment contracts set by the Hong Kong SAR Government provide further protection for foreign domestic workers.

Foreign domestic helper website (www.fdh.labour.gov.hkThis link will open in a new window.)

The Labour Department conducts various educational and publicity activities to enhance the understanding of employers and FDHs about their statutory and contractual rights and obligations.

This one-stop online platform provides information and relevant links on various matters related to the employment of foreign domestic workers, and contains relevant publications and promotional videos to help foreign domestic workers, employers and the public understand the relevant policies and employment rights and responsibilities. In addition to Chinese and English, the special website also provides multiple versions in the native languages of foreign domestic workers to help them understand their rights.

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