Secretary for Labour and Welfare Replies to Legislative Council Questions on Domestic Helper Contracts and Dismissal Arrangements

The government replied to the Legislative Council that there was no need to introduce a statutory probationary period in the standard employment contract for domestic helpers, as employers could already summarily dismiss employees without payment in lieu of notice under the Employment Ordinance for wilful disobedience to lawful and reasonable orders, fraud or misconduct. The government has no plans to amend the requirement that employers bear the return travel expenses of domestic helpers, and agency fees are a market matter; the Equal Opportunities Commission already has the Code of Practice on Employment under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, and the Immigration Department will approve visa applications on a case-by-case basis.