TNAG-2318-FCO40-3362-Petitions-from-members-of-the-public-regarding-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 89

(2) As the Secretary for Education and Manpower made

clear in the LegCo debate on 28 November 1990, the Hong

Kong authorities consider that the "two week rule" should

be maintained. But in all cases where a foreign domestic

helper can demonstrate sufficient reasons for seeking an

extension of stay, permission is always given.

(3) Access to legal aid and the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints is open to foreign domestic helpers in the same way as to other members of the public. But legal representation is not allowed for either the employer or the employee at a Labour Tribunal. This is in order to ensure a quick, inexpensive and

informal method of settling disputes.

(4) The Hong Kong Government keep under review the procedures and documents required by the Immigration and

Labour Departments to ensure that they are as clear and simple as possible. Explantory and guidance notes in English, Chinese, Tagalog and Thai are distributed free of charge. The complaints mechanism is explained in the

notes.

(5) The Hong Kong Government keep their policy in relation to foreign domestic helpers under regular review and consider an independent inquiry to be unnecessary. In any event, the Hong Kong Government are required to submit periodic reports to the International Labour Organisation on the application of International Labour Conventions in Hong Kong.