Broken contracts or terminated re-apply

Can Domestic Helpers with Broken Contracts Process Locally in Hong Kong?

14-Day Rule: Helpers can stay in Hong Kong for 14 days after contract termination or until their visa expires, whichever is earlier.

Processing Broken Contracts Locally

Not allowed. Helpers must return to their home country to process a new visa. Agencies offering local processing should be avoided, as visa rejection can harm the helper's future applications.

Exceptions for Local Processing:

• Renewing a contract with the same employer.
• Completing a 2-year contract.
• Special cases (e.g., employer’s passing, relocation, or financial issues).

Always confirm special cases with immigration authorities, as guidelines may vary.

Employer's Responsibility for Travel Expenses

For each employment contract, employers are responsible for covering the travel expenses for one round trip from the domestic helper’s place of origin to Hong Kong. This includes:

• A one-way flight from the domestic helper’s place of origin to Hong Kong when starting the contract.
• If the domestic helper was able to process locally at the start of employment and has deferred home leave, this applies when they are coming back from home leave.
• Another one-way flight from Hong Kong to the domestic helper’s place of origin upon contract termination or expiry.
• Any domestic travel by the most direct route from and to the domestic helper’s place of origin.
• A food and travel allowance of HK$100 per day (refer to employment contract clause 7b).

Usually, travel expenses range from approximately HK$2,000-HK$5,000, depending on the place of origin.

Travel expenses outside of what is listed above, such as for holiday visits back home, are not under the responsibility of employers. However, it could be considered as a gift for holidays such as Christmas, which is a popular time for families to get together.

References:

• Flights for Domestic Helpers
• Processing in Hong Kong During COVID-19