7 July 2016
The Immigration Department (ImmD) today (July 7) appealed to foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and their employers to make appointments in advance or submit applications for contract renewal by post, via drop-in or online.
An ImmD spokesman said that the number of contract renewal applications received by ImmD usually peaks in summer holiday. To avoid applicants attending the ImmD offices in advance for the walk-in quota, ImmD has flexibly deployed manpower to effectively cope with the rising service demand. FDHs and employers are encouraged to make appointments for service at specific time slots or use alternative means of submission to enjoy greater convenience.
Apart from making in-person applications at the Foreign Domestic Helpers Section of Immigration Tower in Wan Chai or related regional Immigration Branch Offices during office hours, within eight weeks prior to the expiry of their limit of stay, FDHs applying for contract renewal with the same employer are encouraged to make their applications by post, via drop-in or online. Applications made via these means will normally be finalised within 10 working days upon receipt of all necessary documents.
Concerning applications for change of employer upon completion of contracts, the FDHs concerned must submit their applications in person within four weeks prior to the expiry of the contract to the Foreign Domestic Helpers Section of Immigration Tower in Wan Chai. To save time, FDHs are encouraged to make appointments in advance for submitting applications in person via www.gov.hk/esbooking or the 24-hour appointment booking hotline at 2598 0888.
Details on the means of application and procedures can be found on ImmD's homepage (www.immd.gov.hk) as well as on the ImmD YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/c/immdgovhkchannel). Enquiries can be made via email (enquiry@immd.gov.hk), by telephone (2824 6111) or by fax (2877 7711).