Vaccinated helpers can come to HK

August 26, 2021

Starting August 30, foreign domestic helpers who were fully vaccinated in Indonesia or the Philippines may come to work in Hong Kong from Group A specified places, the Government announced today.

 

The Government said it has concluded bilateral vaccination record recognition agreements with the two countries’ governments. 

 

All helpers who were fully vaccinated in the two countries must present a vaccination record that has been affirmed by the relevant authorities of Indonesia and the Philippines and undergo compulsory quarantine in a designated quarantine facility after arriving.

 

When boarding for a flight to Hong Kong, these helpers must present a recognised vaccination record issued by the Indonesian or Philippine authorities. Records in other formats will not be accepted.

 

They must also present a valid employment visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

 

Other necessary documents include a negative result proof of a polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid test for COVID-19 with the specimen collected within 72 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time, and confirmation of a room reservation at a designated quarantine facility at least 21 nights starting from the arrival day.

 

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong told reporters today that there is a huge demand for families in Hong Kong to employ domestic helpers to look after the elderly and young children, however, caution must be exercised due to COVID-19 variants, particularly the Delta one which has been spreading.

 

He stressed that a balance has to be struck between the demand for helpers and preventing the virus from infiltrating the community.

 

One hotel with 409 rooms has been set up as a designated quarantine facility at this stage for the helpers. Reservations can be made from August 27.

 

Dr Law expects that all 409 rooms will be occupied in a couple of days. The Government is looking for more hotels for quarantine purposes but it will be in a steady manner, he added.

 

The Government reminds employers and employment agencies not to book tickets for their helpers until they have successfully reserved rooms in the designated quarantine facility.

 

It also suggests that employers confirm the authenticity of their helper's vaccination records before booking airline tickets and rooms at the facility.

     

Enquiries can be made to the Labour Department hotline 2717 1771 or via email.

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