Service Procedure and Processing Time

Employing FDHs from abroad

Before signing the contract, employers should obtain an understanding of the background of the FDHs, such as through interviews and checking their resumes, in order to choose the ones who suit their families’ needs.  Here are some examples:

FDHs’ background such as living habits, hobbies, etc.;

FDHs’ academic qualifications;

FDHs’ communication abilities;

FDHs’ work experience; and

the possession of relevant skills and trainings by FDHs.

Employers may consider the medical examination items that FDHs are required to undergo in light of their families’ needs.  Before signing the contract, employers should ensure that the FDHs have undergone medical examinations and scrutinise their medical certificates.

Complete four copies of the SEC (ID 407).  The contract should be signed by both the employer and the FDH.

Submit the SEC to the respective consulate in the HKSAR for notarisation.

The FDH completes the “Visa/Extension of Stay Application Form for Domestic Helper from Abroad” and prepares the relevant documents.

It normally takes about four to six weeks to process the application upon receipt of all the required documents.  Even if the employer has submitted all the required documents indicated in the “Guidebook for the Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad”, ImmD may still request the employer to attend an interview for the application.  Furthermore, other documents in support of the application may be required by the processing officer in individual cases.

If the application is approved, ImmD will notify the employer to collect the visa.

The foreign domestic worker’s school will prepare the documents for departure and arrange their flight tickets.

We will arrange airport pickup, a health check in Hong Kong, and an identity cared application for the foreign domestic helper.

Arrangement for contract renewal

Employers who wish to renew contracts with their FDHs upon completion of the two-year contract should submit fresh applications to ImmD within eight weeks prior to the completion of the existing contract.  Details on the required procedures can be found in the “Guidebook for the Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad” published by ImmD.

In accordance with Clause 13 of the SEC, the FDH shall, between the expiry of an old contract and the commencement of a new contract, return to his/her place of origin for vacation of not lee that seven days, with the passage paid by the employer.  The FDH shall not stay n the HKSAR longer than the permitted limit of stay.

Under normal circumstances, an FDH shall return to his/her place of origin after the completion of a contract and apply for a visa for returning to the HKSAR to commerce a new contract.  If circumstances do not permit the FDH to return to his/her place of origin for vacation immediately upon completion of the old contract, subject to mutual agreement between the employer and the FDH, the FDH may apply for an extension of stay to defer the vacation leave.  The FDH and the employer should complete the relevant parts of the application forms respectively and submit them to ImmD for consideration.  However, such an extension of stay normally does not exceed one year.