{"id":12237,"date":"2020-03-28T10:07:42","date_gmt":"2020-03-28T02:07:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper\/coronavirus-government-fdh-arrangement\/"},"modified":"2025-11-15T03:33:03","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T19:33:03","slug":"coronavirus-government-fdh-arrangement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/coronavirus-government-fdh-arrangement\/","title":{"rendered":"Latest Arrangements on Foreign Domestic Helper Matters in Hong Kong"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In view of the Coronavirus outbreak in the city, the Hong Kong government has laid down some changes regarding foreign domestic helper matters. Here are the latest updates.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/coronavirus-government-fdh-arrangement\/#Update_March_2020\" >Update: March 2020<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/coronavirus-government-fdh-arrangement\/#Extension_of_stay\" >Extension of stay<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/coronavirus-government-fdh-arrangement\/#Further_deferral_of_home_leave\" >Further deferral of home leave<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/coronavirus-government-fdh-arrangement\/#Extension_of_the_validity_period_of_the_contracts\" >Extension of the validity period of the contracts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/coronavirus-government-fdh-arrangement\/#Quarantine\" >Quarantine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/coronavirus-government-fdh-arrangement\/#You_might_also_be_interested_in\" >You might also be interested in:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" data-id=\"14204\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Latest-Arrangements-on-Foreign-Domestic-Helper-Matters-in-Hong-Kong.png\" alt=\"Latest arrangements on foreign domestic helper matters in hong kong\" class=\"wp-image-14204\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Update_March_2020\"><\/span>Update: March 2020<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Extension_of_stay\"><\/span>Extension of stay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hong Kong government announced on March 21 that the Immigration Department (ImmD) will flexibly consider applications from foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to extend their stay in Hong Kong as visitors to allow them more time to find a new employer in Hong Kong if their existing contract <strong>is due to expire or is terminated on or before July 31, 2020.<\/strong> &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The domestic helper may apply to ImmD for an extension of stay as a visitor <strong>for a maximum period of one month<\/strong> in Hong Kong, if he\/she is unable to return to his\/her place of origin due to the pandemic in his\/her place of origin and\/or international travel restrictions arising from the pandemic.&nbsp; ImmD will exercise discretion depending on individual case merits under the special circumstances arising from the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Further_deferral_of_home_leave\"><\/span>Further deferral of home leave<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, under the existing mechanism, an FDH on <strong>a renewed contract with the same employer, or due to start a new contract with a new employer upon the expiry of an existing contract<\/strong> may apply to ImmD for deferring home leave for no more than 1 year after the existing contract ends, subject to the agreement of his\/her employer or new employer. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Owing to the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, an FDH may apply to ImmD for further extension of the limit of stay if he\/she is unable to return to his\/her place of origin for home leave within his\/her extended limit of stay. &nbsp;ImmD will, on individual case merits, exercise discretion to grant him\/her an extension to <strong>further defer the home leave for not more than 6 months.&nbsp; <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arrangements should be made for the FDH to return to his\/her place of origin for vacation within the extended period, and to use his\/her entry visa (with a validity in line with the extension of stay granted) upon his\/her return to Hong Kong for completion of the contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For enquiries, you may contact ImmD by calling the enquiry hotline at 2824 6111 or by email to enquiry@immd.gov.hk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.info.gov.hk\/gia\/general\/202003\/21\/P2020032000829.htm\">https:\/\/www.info.gov.hk\/gia\/general\/202003\/21\/P2020032000829.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Extension_of_the_validity_period_of_the_contracts\"><\/span>Extension of the validity period of the contracts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On March 19, the Commissioner for Labour has now given further in-principle consent for all FDH contracts that will <strong>expire on or before June 30, 2020<\/strong>, to vary the period stated in Clause 2 of the SEC by <strong>extending the period of employment up to July 31, 2020,<\/strong> on the basis that such variation is mutually agreed by both the employer and the FDH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers and FDHs in need may apply directly to the Director of Immigration for extension of the period of employment and stay of the FDHs <strong>on or before June 30, 2020.<\/strong> Upon receiving the applications, the Immigration Department (ImmD) will process them in accordance with its established procedures and policies.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the contract with the current FDH has already been extended under the flexibility arrangement announced on February 4, 2020, <strong>the employer may still submit an application to ImmD to further extend the period of employment and stay of the FDHs up to July 31, 2020,<\/strong> if both the employer and the FDH mutually agree to the variation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applications for extension of stay of FDHs may be submitted <strong>during office hours or by post<\/strong> to the <strong>Foreign Domestic Helpers Section at Immigration Tower in Wan Chai.<\/strong> The required documents for submitting the applications are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visa\/Extension of Stay Application Form for Domestic Helper from Abroad (ID 988A) completed and signed by the FDH;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the current SEC (ID 407) kept by the employer and the FDH with an amendment clause on extending the period of employment duly signed by both parties at the end of page 4;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a supporting letter signed by the employer stating the reason(s) for extending the period of employment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the FDH&#8217;s travel document (please send a copy if applying by post); and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a visa fee of $230.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quarantine\"><\/span>Quarantine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;The Department of Health (DH)&#8217;s demand that inbound travellers, including foreign domestic helpers, arriving from all countries\/territories should undergo <strong>compulsory home quarantine<\/strong> with effect from 0.00 am on March 19, 2020, the Labour Department appeals to the assistance of FDH employers and their EAs in reminding FDHs to comply with the compulsory quarantine requirement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers or their EAs are also advised to educate FDHs under compulsory home quarantine to stay at home at all times and follow the health advice of the DH.&nbsp;While FDHs are expected to stay at their employers&#8217; residence, <strong>should an employer wish to arrange his\/her FDH to stay out from his\/her residence&nbsp;for compulsory home quarantine, the employer should make prior arrangement with his\/her EA (if applicable) to accommodate the FDH concerned.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The employer is also reminded to comply with his\/her obligations under the SEC, including <strong>bearing the accommodation expenses of the FDH and providing a&nbsp;food allowance to the FDH.<\/strong>&nbsp;An employer shall not compel his\/her FDH to work outside of the employer&#8217;s residence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.info.gov.hk\/gia\/general\/202003\/19\/P2020031900394.htm?fontSize=1\">https:\/\/www.info.gov.hk\/gia\/general\/202003\/19\/P2020031900394.htm?fontSize=1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_might_also_be_interested_in\"><\/span><strong>You might also be interested in:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper\/filipino-visa-application\">Visa Application for Filipino Domestic Helpers<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper\/contract-renewal\">Domestic Helper Contract and Work Visa Renewal<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper\/types-of-contract\">Types of Domestic Helper Contract<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper\/employment-contract-regulations\">Domestic Helper Employment Contract Regulations<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\" https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/yoopies-cms2faa142d68-caff-4847-80a8-665c74e8064b-copyoflookingforadomestichelperinhongkong-28129.jpg\" alt=\"search for a domestic helper at HelperChoice now! \"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/find-domestic-helpers\/results?c=hong-kong\">Search Now! \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In view of the Coronavirus outbreak in the city, the Hong Kong government has laid down some changes regarding foreign domestic helper matters. Here are the latest updates. Update: March 2020 Extension of stay The Hong Kong government announced on March 21 that the Immigration Department (ImmD) will flexibly consider applications from foreign domestic helpers [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Get updated on Hong Kong\u2019s latest 2020 arrangements for foreign domestic helpers\u2014visa extensions, contract flexibility, home-leave deferrals, and quarantine rules.","title":"Latest Arrangements on Foreign Domestic Helper Matters in Hong Kong - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12237","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-featured-post"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12237","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12237"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12237\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14205,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12237\/revisions\/14205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12237"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}