Levy
Employers who apply to employ Helpers are required to pay an Employees Retraining Levy (levy). The levy payable is HKD400 per month multiplied by the number of months covered by the employment contract. It shall be paid in a lump sum before the issuance of visa or by four equal instalments with the first instalment paid before the issuance of visa.
Employers should indicate their preference in the application form as to payment of the levy in one go or in four equal half-yearly instalments, with the first payment being made in person or through representative before the issuance of visa to the Helper. Payment can be made in cash or by cheque at the time of collection of the visa. Employers choosing to pay by instalment are required to make their first payment before the visa label is issued in respect of the Helper.
Thereafter employers may make the subsequent instalment payments by mail/drop-in cheque/in person or through representative at the Foreign Domestic Helpers Section of the Immigration Department at Wan Chai or at the six Immigration Branch Offices.
Where a Helper fails to arrive or to complete her contract of employment and a replacement application is made within 4 months of the date of failure, the balance of the levy for the defaulting Helper will be taken into account in calculating the levy required for the new Helper.
The levy is not refundable under any circumstances. However, if the Helper fails to arrive in the HKSAR or her employment contract is terminated before running its full course, the balance of levy paid will be taken into account by the Immigration Department when the employer applies for a replacement provided that such application is made within four months from the date the employer becomes aware of the failure of the defaulting helper to arrive in the HKSAR or to complete her contract of employment.