Navigating the process of renewing domestic helper contracts in Hong Kong requires careful adherence to a structured procedure. This article outlines the essential steps and requirements for renewing contracts for Filipino and Indonesian domestic helpers, paving the way for a hassle-free and seamless renewal journey. It is crucial to follow this key information on necessary documents, procedures, and considerations, so employers can build and maintain a positive and mutually beneficial working relationship with their domestic helpers.
In Hong Kong, a specific procedure for the contract renewal of Filipino domestic helpers is required. This section delves into the key steps; from contract signing to contract notarisations. By understanding these steps, you can streamline the renewal process.
The renewal process begins with contract signing. Obtain four copies of the Standard Employment Contract (ID 407) from the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Each copy must be completed and signed by both the domestic helper and the employer. This contract, valid for two years, is the sole document recognised by the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
The purpose of having four copies is manifold: for reference by the domestic helper, for the employer's records, for the Consulate's verification, and for the Immigration Department's visa application procedure.
With the contracts signed, the next move is to compile supporting documents for submission to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Submissions can be made personally at the Immigration Department, by post or drop box, or online via Online Smart Renewal Service. These supporting documents include:
- A Copy of the Employer's Hong Kong ID
- A Completed Visa/Extension of Stay Application Form for Domestic Helper from Abroad (ID 988A)
- A Copy of the Previous Employment Contract
- A Completed Application for Employment of Domestic Helper from Abroad (ID 988B)
- A Copy of the Domestic Helper’s Travel Document/Passport and Current Visa
- A Copy of the Domestic Helper’s Hong Kong ID
The application and submission process normally takes around ten working days to process. Upon completion, the new visa will be released according to the chosen submission method.
For Filipino domestic helpers, the contract must be verified and attested by the Philippine Consulate, which confirms its alignment with the regulations and standards set for overseas Filipino workers for renewal. The domestic helpers must submit two copies of the signed contracts, and bring along the following supporting document for the notarisation:
- The completed OFW Information Sheet, which can be collected from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or downloaded from their official website
- The Previous Employment Contract
- The Domestic Helper’s Passport
- A Copy of the Domestic Helper’s New Visa
- A Copy of Employer's Hong Kong ID
- A Copy of the Domestic Helper’s Hong Kong ID
- An A4 Size Brown Envelope with HK$5 Ordinary Postage Pre-Stamped for Returning the Contracts
Please note that there is a total notarisation fee of HK$476, which must be paid during the notarisation process. It is advised to complete the payment and submit the required documents to the POLO Office within sixty days before the domestic helper's current work visa expires. The processing time takes approximately six to ten working days for the notarisation. Once done, the notarised contract can be collected from the Philippine Consulate General.
The POLO Office is located at Office No.2, 29/F United Centre, No. 95 Queensway Admiralty, Hong Kong. For any queries, you can contact the POLO hotline at 5529 1880 or the OWWA hotline at 6345 9324.
The contract renewal pathway for Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong varies slightly. Highlighted below are the steps, including contract signings, health check-ups, document submissions, and contract notarisations. Grasping these steps aids both employers and helpers in navigating the renewal process seamlessly.
The contract renewal process starts with collecting the contract and its accompanying documents from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, similar to the contract renewal process for Filipino domestic helpers. Four contract copies will be handed over, and it's imperative for both the employer and the domestic helper to sign each accurately. To authenticate these contracts, a public notary's witness is mandatory for both the employer and the helper.
Following the contract signing, an essential step for the Indonesian domestic helper to renew their contract is a medical examination, a prerequisite for the Hong Kong work visa. This health check must be conducted by a medical practitioner accredited by the Indonesian Consulate. The standard medical evaluation covers a list of ten tests. It ascertains the helper's health suitability for work.
For Indonesian domestic helpers, notarisation must be done first for the contract renewal. This phase requires the submission of the newly signed employment contract's original copy, along with the following supporting documents, to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong:
- The Previous Contract
- A Copy of the Employer's Hong Kong ID card
- A Copy of the Domestic Helper’s Hong Kong ID
- A Copy of the Domestic Helper’s Travel Document/Passport
- The Results of the Medical Examination
- A Letter of Application from the Employer That Mentions the Employer’s Willingness to Renew the Contract and the Fulfilment of the Basic Employments Rights from the Previous Contract
- Proof of Insurance for the Domestic Helper
- Any Other Documents the Consulate May Specifically Request for Submission
A fee of HK$388 must be paid upon the document submission. The notarisation process usually takes around 10 working days. It is advised to complete the submission within 56 days before the domestic helper’s current contract expires to ensure a smooth notarisation process.
The consulate office is located at 127-129 Leighton Road, 6-8 Keswick Street, Causeway Bay. For any queries, you can contact the office at 3651 0200.
After the notarisation, the next step in the renewal process for Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong is the visa application. Several vital documents must be compiled and submitted, along with an original copy of the signed contract, to the Hong Kong Immigration Department in person:
- A Copy of the Employer's Hong Kong ID
- A Completed Visa/Extension of Stay Application Form for Domestic Helper from Abroad (ID 988A)
- A Copy of the Previous Employment Contract
- A Completed Application for Employment of Domestic Helper from Abroad (ID 988B)
- The Original and Copy of the Domestic Helper’s Travel Document/Passport
- A Copy of the Domestic Helper’s Current Visa
- A Copy of the Domestic Helper’s Hong Kong ID
The visa extension evaluation can last a few weeks; thus, it is advised to initiate the application a minimum of four weeks before the current visa's expiry. The application can be made in person or via the Smart Renewal Service Portal.
If a domestic helper gets taken on by a new employer, a new visa application is required. Usually, the helper must return to their home country before starting the new job. However, for Filipino helpers finishing their contracts, the new employer can start their employment right away and delay their vacation leave within the extended year.
It's important to note that helpers who overstay in Hong Kong may face legal actions, and employers can be held responsible too. Employers should be clear about all laws and rules when hiring foreign domestic helpers to avoid any complications.
Awareness and punctuality in handling required documentation and adhering to deadlines are crucial for a frictionless contract renewal process for domestic helpers in Hong Kong. An in-depth understanding of each stage can help them continue their employment safely within legal confines, ensuring a secure and honest partnership between both parties.
