Immigration eases rules for helpers after Tai Po fire

The Immigration Department on Monday said special arrangements have been made for foreign domestic helpers whose employers can no longer fulfil their employment contracts due to the Tai Po fire, allowing them to remain in Hong Kong as visitors for three months with extensions available to find new employers without having to return to their birthplace first.

It has been closely monitoring the needs of foreign domestic helpers affected by the Tai Po fire and has been maintaining close liaison with the Labour Department and the relevant consulates to provide appropriate assistance.

The Immigration Department will also waive the relevant fees for extending the limit of stay.

The authorities said If any foreign domestic helpers lost their visas, contracts, or other documents in the fire, the department will provide the relevant records. 

In addition, if affected employers or helpers need to notify the Immigration Department of a change of contract address, they may, after resettlement, complete Form ID407G and submit it via the Hong Kong Government one-stop portal (https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/nonpermanent/id407g.htm )

The Immigration Department has also set up a dedicated hotline, 2829 3129, for employers and foreign domestic helpers affected by the Tai Po fire to inquire about visa-related matters.