Foreign domestic helpers gather at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong on March 15, 2021. (EDMOND TANG/CHINA DAILY)
HONG KONG – Foreign domestic helpers who have been fully vaccinated in Indonesia or the Philippines could come to work in Hong Kong starting from Aug 30, the Hong Kong government announced on Thursday.
In a statement, a government spokesman said it had concluded bilateral vaccination record recognition agreements with the governments of Indonesia and the Philippines.
“Starting on August 30, FDHs who were fully vaccinated in these two countries may come to work in Hong Kong,” the spokesman said.
The designated hotel in Tsuen Wan has a total of 409 rooms and will be open for use on Aug 30. The government plans to gradually increase the number of designated quarantine hotel rooms in the future depending on the demand and the development of the pandemic, the spokesman said
They must present a vaccination record that has been affirmed by the relevant authorities in their respective countries and undergo compulsory quarantine in a designated hotel after arriving in Hong Kong, the spokesman added.
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At boarding for a flight to Hong Kong, they must also present a valid employment visa and proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours.
The spokesman said that as the global COVID-19 pandemic remains severe, the resumption of admission of foreign domestic helpers to Hong Kong “should be implemented in a gradual and orderly manner.”
The designated hotel in Tsuen Wan has a total of 409 rooms and will be open for use on Aug 30. The government plans to gradually increase the number of designated quarantine hotel rooms in the future depending on the demand and the development of the pandemic, the spokesman added.
Employers and employment agencies can reserve rooms from Aug 27 onwards.
The spokesman reminded employers and agencies that they should not book tickets for the helpers until they have successfully reserved rooms in a designated hotel.
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The government also reminded helpers to strictly adhere to the boarding and quarantine requirements or they may be banned from boarding for Hong Kong or denied entry upon arrival.
Under the Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap. 599E), anyone who knowingly or recklessly gives any false or misleading information commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of HK$25,000 and to imprisonment for six months, the spokesman added.