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Foreign domestic helpers in Central. Photo: Felix Wong

Clarity has finally emerged after weeks of confusion over how domestic helpers from Indonesia are recruited for work in Hong Kong. An Indonesian diplomat based in the city has said there will be no change in policies, including for fees employers must pay.

Authorities in Hong Kong and Jakarta should follow up and remain engaged with the sector to ensure fairness for employers and workers, who play an important role supporting households so a wider segment of the population can join the workforce.

Local recruitment agencies had been accused of failing to comply with Jakarta’s recruitment rules. The Jakarta-based Indonesian Manpower Placement Agency Association (Aspataki) said employers, rather than helpers, must pay placement fees.

They said Jakarta was poised to stop processing applications that did not follow the regulations, amended in 2020 and again last year, to reduce indebtedness among workers. Helpers currently pay only for their training. Employers shoulder recruitment costs of up to HK$20,000 (US$2,548) and many including those on tight budgets were upset to learn they might have to pay a few thousand dollars more.

Some helpers also protested to demand that Jakarta tackle agency overcharging.

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