Guide to Hiring Foreign Domestic Helpers

With the vast amount of information available online today, first-time employers looking to hire foreign domestic helpers often go to the internet for guidance. However, there are always too much online information and some of them are inaccurate. To address this, the Immigration Department has prepared a comprehensive 22-page guide titled "Guidebook for the Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad." We have reviewed the guide and selected key points for your convenience, including the qualifications for hiring a foreign domestic helper, the Undertaking, and the application process in a simplified version.

Qualifications for Hiring a Foreign Domestic Helper

The Immigration Department has outlined nine major criteria that prospective employers must meet:

1. Household Income: The employer's household must have a monthly income exceeding HK$15,000. This amount is calculated for the entire household. If the income does not meet HK$15,000, the employer can provide proof of assets to demonstrate their ability to pay the helper's salary. This amount is per domestic helper.

2. Employment Contract: Both the employer and the helper must sign the standard employment contract as required by law, specifically the ID 407 document (Download here).

3. Duties: The helper is only required to perform domestic duties as outlined in the "Accommodation and Domestic Duties" schedule within the standard employment contract.

4. Exclusive Employment: The employer cannot require or allow the helper to work for other employers during the contract period.

5. Minimum Wage: The employer must comply with the government's minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers, which is HK$4,870 in 2023.

6. Residence: The helper must work and live at the employer's residence, and only one address is accepted.

7. Accommodation: The employer must provide suitable and private accommodation for the helper.

8. Compliance: Both parties must have no prior violations related to employment of foreign domestic helpers.

9. Residency: The employer must be a Hong Kong resident.

Undertaking

When hiring a foreign domestic helper, both the employer and the helper are required to sign an Undertaking by the Immigration Department. Any violation of the terms can result in the rejection of the application, as specified in Section 5 of the ID 998B form, "Application for Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad."

Application Process – Simplified Version

The forms mentioned above can be downloaded online or obtained from the Immigration Department’s enquiry and contact unit or any of its branch offices.

Step 1:

• Complete the application form “Visa/Extension of Stay Application Form for Domestic Helper from Abroad (to be completed by the applicant)” (ID 988A) and the standard employment contract (ID 407). The contract needs to be prepared in four copies for different parties, including the employer, the helper, the helper’s consulate in Hong Kong, and the Immigration Department.

Step 2:

• Fill out the detailed application form “Application for Employment of Domestic Helper from Abroad (to be completed by the employer)” (ID 988B).

Step 3: 

• Attach the following documents, including:

o    1. The employer's Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or a valid Hong Kong resident's passport.

o    2. Proof of financial ability:

§  a. Bank statements for the last 3 months.

§  b. Income proof for the last 3 months.

§  c. Tax receipts.

§  d. Other financial proof such as assets. Employers can provide any of the above documents to prove financial capability; all provided documents must be photocopies.

o    3. Proof of residential address signed by the employer. If the address proof is in the name of another family member, a declaration that the helper will work and live at this address is required.

o    4. A letter explaining the reason for the employment of a foreign domestic helper.

Step 4:

• Submit the above documents in person or by mail to one of the following addresses: the Foreign Domestic Helper Section, Immigration Department, 3/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, or any Immigration Branch Office.

The forms mentioned above can be downloaded online or obtained from the Immigration Department’s enquiry and contact unit or any of its branch offices.

Post Application Process:

1.          After submitting the application, the Immigration Department may require the employer to attend an interview or provide additional documents.

2.          If the application is approved, the employer will receive a notification letter from the Immigration Department to collect the visa and pay the necessary fees. Refer to ID 912 for fee details.

3.          If the application is rejected, the Immigration Department will notify the employer by letter.

4.          Once all documents are submitted, the review process usually takes four to six weeks.

5.          The above steps are required by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. For entry and exit policies related to the helper's home country, the employer should consult the relevant consulate in Hong Kong before submitting the application to the Immigration Department.

The guide also includes information on renewing a contract with the same employer, changing employers, the standard employment contract, and the employment terms for foreign domestic helpers. Some of these topics have already been covered in previous articles, which can be referred to for further information.

What is a “Standard Employment Contract” for foreign domestic helper?

What is Foreign Domestic Helper Insurance?

Restrictions on the scope of work of foreign domestic helpers

Understanding the regulations for foreign domestic helpers' holidays

Minimum wage and food allowance adjustment for foreign domestic helpers(September 2023)

Statutory Holidays for Foreign Domestic Helpers in 2025 and Important Notes

Termination of Foreign Domestic Helper Contracts with Salary & Insurance Arrangements

Smart Renewal Service - Online visa applications for foreign domestic helpers

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The information provided in this article is for general reference only and should not be considered as any form of advice. Our company assumes no responsibility for its use