Employers and foreign domestic helpers face hefty fees

I refer to Candy Tam's letter ("Realistic fees could combat exploitation of domestic helper", January 29).

Not all employers are exploitative and expect "a free lunch", to use your correspondent's expression. Employers are fully aware and willing to pay recruitment fees for justifiable services rendered.

For new recruits of foreign domestic helpers, the employer pays around HK$5,000 and, in addition, has to pay for medical tests in Hong Kong and insurance once the helper arrives.

My Indonesian helper has to pay off her HK$21,000 fee by having HK$3,000 paid monthly to a Hong Kong-registered finance company, facilitated by a smart card issued to her, and payment can be effected at 7-Eleven. In addition, the helper pays 10 per cent of her first month's salary to the Hong Kong recruitment agency on successful placement. This leaves her with very little in her first seven months. HK$26,000 is not a free lunch, Ms Tam. The helper is the real victim here.

A real shocker is the contract renewal upon expiry of the two-year employment contract. The Hong Kong Immigration Department will only extend her permission to stay here upon an approved employment contract.

The Indonesian consulate will only allow application for the contract, even a renewal, through an approved Hong Kong recruitment agency.