Annex A
Conditions and Administrative Procedures for the admission of Foreign Domestic Helpers
Families in Hong Kong have been employing a growing number of domestic helpers from overseas. From a modest beginning in the mid-seventies that number had reached 28,951 by the end of December 1986. The great majority of helpers came from nearby Asian countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and so on, with the largest number coming from the Philippines.
2.
A prospective employer who wishes to hire an overseas domestic helper would have to obtain copies of the standard contract from the Immigration Department.
Completed copies are then sent to the helpers abroad for agreement and signature. They are then returned with the appropriate medical certificate to the Overseas Employment Service of the Labour Department for attestation. Upon receiving the attested copies of the contract a helper would apply to the British Embassy or Consulate for an employment visa to enter and work as domestic helper in Hong Kong. Prior to the issuing of such a visa the prospective employer is interviewed in Hong Kong by the Immigration Department.
3.
A domestic helper employment contract is effective for two years from the date of the FDH's arrival in Hong Kong. At the end of this period the FDH will be required to return to the country of origin at the employers' expense. The contract is not transferrable and if for any reasons it is terminated before the period of two years has been completed, the helper must be provided with passage and repatriated to the country of origin.
4.
The Director of Immigration is responsible for control on entry to Hong Kong for residence and employment and his approval is given only for specific employment. There are certain provisions in the contract for an employee to change employment. The approval of the Director of Immigration is required before the employee enters new employment.
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