Freeze of maid levy spells profits for illegal queue touts

The government's suspension of the levy on foreign domestic helpers is providing lucrative business to a 'queuing syndicate' that charges up to HK$120 for applicants rushing to apply for permits or travel documents outside the Immigration Department's Yau Ma Tei branch.

The existence of the group came to light after an Indian domestic helper complained to the South China Morning Post that it had taken her three days to get a tag and file her application for a contract renewal last week.

The woman, who gave her name as Chhoby, said she had worked for the same employer for 12 years and had not had any problems in the past when renewing her contract.

'Before, it was not like this. I had this problem because of the levy [suspension],' she said.

The government suspended the HK$9,600 levy on employers of foreign domestic helpers from August 1, setting off a rush of applications so employers could benefit from up to four years of relief.

Ms Chhoby arrived at the Immigration office at 7.45am on August 19 but saw about 200 people already in the queue and went home. The next day she went at 5am and found the same situation. On her third try, she arrived at 1.30am. She found 15 stools and cardboard boxes lined up, and took her place after the last box.