Govt To Be 'flexible' With Helpers' Visas

The government said on Saturday that the authorities will take a flexible approach with foreign domestic helpers seeking to extend their stay in Hong Kong, in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Immigration Department said in a statement that this is intended to help those foreign domestic helpers, whose current contracts end on or before July 31, to find a new employer in Hong Kong.

It said domestic helpers can apply to extend their stay as a visitor for up to one month, if they're unable to go home because of the pandemic, or because of travel restrictions.

It said the Immigration Department will use its discretion.

Foreign domestic helpers starting a new contract or renewing existing contracts can also apply to defer home leave for up to six months, on top of the current one-year delay.