PRESS RELEASE
Arrangements for disbursing special subsidy of $20,000 to foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po
The Government will disburse a special subsidy of $20,000 to FDHs who have originally worked at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, to help them cope with the difficulties arising from the lack of family support in Hong Kong and the total loss of personal belongings in the fire. The Labour Department (LD) is liaising with the relevant consulates-general in Hong Kong and the affected employers to arrange applications for the subsidy by the affected FDHs. In addition, the FDHs concerned may download the application form (https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/res/pdf/applicationform-fdhsubsidy.pdf) and return the completed form by fax (3101 0604), email (fdh-subsidy@labour.gov.hk), by post or in person to the Foreign Domestic Helpers Division of the LD (Address: 16/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon). For enquiries about the subsidy for FDHs, please call the LD hotline at 3582 8987.
The LD appeals to eligible FDHs to submit their applications as soon as possible. The department will process and verify the applications expeditiously and disburse the subsidy.
The following translated application forms are for reference only, please submit the abovementioned English application form.
NEWS CORNER
- The regulation on “Exemption from Migrant Worker Placement Fees” promulgated by the Indonesian Government was implemented on 2 August 2021.
- Starting from the implementation date, Indonesian nationals applying for the ten specified types of jobs overseas (including the post of domestic helper) will be subject to the regulation. The Indonesian Government has issued a cost structure to employment agencies in Indonesia.
- Please click here for details and its cost structure.
- FDHs should not take out loans and borrow excessively. They should not repay employment agencies by borrowing money.
- FDHs should keep their personal identification documents and the SEC. They should not sign any documents or agreements which they do not fully understand.
- Employers and employment agencies should not be involved in the financial affairs of FDHs.
- Under the Money Lenders Ordinance, a person carrying on business as a money lender in Hong Kong must obtain a money lender’s licence. Any person who lends or offers to lend money at an effective rate of interest which exceeds 48% per annum commits an offence and is liable to prosecution.
- For any complaints against money lenders, please report to the Police.
