Domestic helpers in Hong Kong promised flexible arrangements after Philippine government crackdown

Labour and Employment Department in Manila announced on Friday it would suspend new applications for overseas employment potentially affecting 1,000 families in Hong Kong

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The Philippine Labour and Employment Department announced on Friday it would suspend new applications for overseas employment certificates. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 6:23pm, 12 Nov 2017Updated: 8:32am, 13 Nov 2017

The Immigration Department will be flexible with work permits for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, the city’s No 2 official has said, after the Philippine government stopped processing applications for overseas work.

“Under special circumstances, could the Immigration Department extend employment periods for some helpers, if their current visas expire soon and new visas[for other helpers] haven’t been approved?” Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said. “The department could also be flexible when considering individual cases.”

The remarks came after the Philippine Department of Labour and Employment announced on Friday it would suspend new applications for overseas employment certificates, a document necessary for all Filipinos planning to work abroad. The suspension would take effect on Monday and last till December 1.

The department said the suspension came after it had identified “persistent reports of illegal recruitment activities”. An investigation will be launched to identify the root of the problems.

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung said the Immigration Department will be flexible with work permits for foreign domestic helpers. Photo: Felix Wong

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong earlier said the move could affect about 1,000 local families.

Cheung said on Sunday the government and the Philippine authorities had a good relationship and the recent move was not targeting Hong Kong.