Visa Extension and Contract Renewal

The Government announced on 25 March that they will continue to implement the previous measure allowing employers to extend the existing contracts with their outgoing helpers. For all contracts that expire on or before June 30, 2022, the Commissioner for Labour has given in-principle consent for extending the employment period for a maximum period of six months, on the basis that such variation is agreed upon by both the employer and the employee.

If arrangements cannot be made for a newly hired domestic worker to come to Hong Kong within the six-month extension period and the employer needs to continue to employ their worker beyond the six-month extended period, the employer should consider applying for contract renewal with the existing worker. Read more in our Get Answers article here. 

Is it almost time to renew or extend your helpers visa? If the 2-year-contract is going to expire soon, you can start the contract renewal process at earliest 8 weeks in advance. Let our experienced team support you in that process. Our service includes document preparation and in-person follow-ups at Immigration. Email us at info@fairagency.org to inquire today.

Flight ban lifted 

Good news! The Government recently announced that the existing flight ban from the Philippines to Hong Kong will be lifted on April 1. Hotel quarantine for vaccinated Hong Kong residents will be shortened from 14 to 7 days starting from April 1, on the condition travelers tested negative on the fifth day via a PCR test, and via rapid antigen tests on the sixth and seventh day of their stay. If tested negative, they need to undergo self-monitoring for 7 days and conduct compulsory PCR-based nucleic acid test on the 12th day of arrival at Hong Kong. Foreign domestic workers would need to fulfill certain requirements to be allowed to come to Hong Kong under the new travel arrangements. Our team is working hard to arrange domestic workers to come to Hong Kong after the flight ban is lifted. If you are looking to hire an overseas domestic helper, contact our team today.

Vaccine Pass

The first phase of the Vaccine Pass introduced by the Hong Kong government, started on 24 February. People are required to have at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine in this initial phase. In phase two, starting at the end of April, people are required to have had two shots. In the final phase, starting on 31 May, for people whose second dose was received within six months, they must receive the third dose within 6 months after receiving the second dose (instead of the original 9 months) in order to continue using the Vaccine Pass. 

Remember to check with your helper to make sure she has gotten her vaccine or booster shot. You can also remind your employee to scan and upload the vaccination record to their LeaveHomeSafe App.

What to do if your helper tests positive for COVID-19? 

The coronavirus situation has added new challenges to working relationships between employers and domestic helpers. Your agency may be able to provide you guidance and support at this time. At Fair Employment Agency, we have our dedicated Client Care team to support our employers and workers. If you hired your worker through us, please reach out, we are here to support you during this challenging time.  

We have prepared a guide on what to do if your helper tests positive for COVID-19 here.  We have also prepared an article about salary arrangements should your helper contract COVID-19 and is unable to return to work. Read more in our Get Answers article here.

Periodic Well-being Check-in:

Direct Hire

Our Direct Hire service is for employers who have already found a domestic helper they would like to hire. If the domestic helper is currently overseas or needs to return to their home country to process their visas, this service is for you. If you are unsure which Direct Hire service is right for you, don’t worry, give us a call or fill out our form and our experienced team will help identify which service is right for you. 

Holiday Closure 

Our offices in Sheung Wan and Tsuen Wan will be closed on the following dates during the holidays:

• Ching Ming Festival - Tuesday 5 April 

• Good Friday - Friday 15 April 

• The Day Following Good Friday - Saturday 16 April 

• The Day before Easter Monday - Sunday 17 April 

• Easter Monday - Monday 18 April