FDH employers seek alternatives amid higher price tag for hiring Indonesian maids

A representative of employers of domestic workers said on Thursday that the new fee rules set by the Indonesian authorities may force employers to seek alternatives, including hiring helpers who have just finished their contract in Hong Kong or those from other countries.

The comments came after the Indonesian government said it would strictly implement the "zero-placement" policy, which means helpers do not need to pay any fees before being employed in Hong Kong, while employers would have to pay an extra HK$4,000 to HK$5,000 to hire an Indonesian maid.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, Betty Yung, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Employers of Overseas Domestic Helpers Association, said there was a need for officials in the SAR and in Jakarta to look into the matter.

She said employers in Hong Kong already have to pay local agencies, while the local agencies have paid for every girl that the foreign agencies introduce to Hong Kong.

She questioned the increase and wanted Indonesian authorities to clarify on how they come up with the extra HK$4,000 to HK$5,000 fee.

Yung also noted that there was not much assurance to local employers as the helpers could quit their job anytime after giving one month’s notice.

Employers could suffer a huge loss after paying a huge sum of money only for the helpers to end up resigning. “Then, who is gonna compensate for them?” Yung asked.

Yung also said many people who employ domestic helpers are not wealthy, with elderly people, in particular, finding it difficult to find more money.