Q1:

What are the new arrangements?

A1:

With effect from July 12, 2010 (Monday), there is a series of facilitating measures for applications from foreign domestic helpers for extension of stay sponsored by the same employer, including contract renewal and completion of the remaining period of the current contract.

First, such applications can be submitted within eight weeks, instead of four weeks, before the expiry of the domestic helper's limit of stay.

Secondly, other than in-person submission, such applications can also be made by post, drop-in, or online. Under these new arrangements, applicants will normally be notified by letter within 10 working days upon receipt of all necessary documents for collection of the extension label.

Thirdly, the following supporting documents will no longer be required for such applications:

1. copy of the old employment contract (ID407);
2. copy of the foreign domestic helper's Hong Kong identity card; and
3. proof of employer's financial position and residential address (provided that the employer's average household income remains no less than HK$15,000 (for every domestic helper to be employed) and there is no change in the residential address).

Q2:

If I use the online service to submit the application, I should fill in the electronic application forms first or download the relevant forms for completion before scanning and uploading?

A2:

Before uploading the application forms, please note that the forms should be downloaded and signed by the applicant and/or the sponsor as appropriate.

Q3:

Is notarization of employment contract by relevant consulates still required under the new arrangements?

A3:

Yes, the original employment contract (ID407) should be notarized, if so required by the local consulate.

Q4:

Does employer need to produce financial proof for any change of income? How to declare the monthly income is no less than HK$ 15,000?

A4:

Proof of employer's financial position is not required provided that the employer's average household income remains no less than HK$15,000 for each domestic helper to be employed. Nevertheless, further supporting documents may be required in individual cases.

Employers have to declare whether average monthly household income is no less than HK$15,000 (for every domestic helper to be employed) under 'Household Information', Part 3 of Application Form ID988B.

Q5:

Do the corresponding local consulates have corresponding measures to cope with the new "8-weeks" arrangements?

A5:

Corresponding local consulates have been informed before implementation to cope with applications can be submitted within eight weeks, instead of four weeks, before the expiry of the domestic helper's limit of stay.

Q6:

I have submitted ID407G (Revised Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties) to notify the change of residential address. Do I need to produce residential proof as the contractual address on the new contract is different from that on the previous one?

A6:

If ID407G has been submitted to Immigration Department to notify the change of residential address, proof of new residential address is not required. Nevertheless, further supporting documents may be required in individual cases.

Q7:

The foreign domestic helper is not in Hong Kong. Can he / she use the online submission?

A7:

No, the foreign domestic helper is not eligible to use the service if he / she are not physically present in Hong Kong at the time of submission.

Q8:

Can I collect the visa (extension label) on Saturday?

A8:

Please attend Foreign Domestic Helpers Section, 3/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong between 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays (except Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) for collection of the extension label.

Q9:

If I use the online service, do I need to produce an original employment contract for Immigration's retention upon visa collection?

A9:

Yes. The original employment contract (notarised, if so required by the relevant consulate) should be submitted for inspection upon collection of the extension label.

Q10:

Employer lives in a housing estate run by the Housing Department / Hong Kong Housing Society. Does he / she need to produce a letter of consent from the respective authority under the new arrangements?

A10:

A letter of consent from the Housing Department / Hong Kong Housing Society, granting permission for the foreign domestic helper to reside in the premises is required if there is change in the circumstances and the residential address.