How to Change Your Employer as Indian Helper in Hong Kong?

To change employers for an Indian helper (domestic worker) in Hong Kong, you must complete an online appointment process at the Hong Kong Immigration Department and then follow an additional process at the Indian Consulate.

Changing employers for an Indian domestic helper in Hong Kong necessitates approval from the Immigration Department. This approval is usually granted only after the completion of the contract or under exceptional circumstances such as abuse by the helper, a transfer of the employer, or the death of the employer. The helper must submit new contract documents, a release letter from the previous employer, and proof of the new employment. The cost for this process is HKD 172.

Here is the general procedure based on Indian Ministry of External Affairs guidelines:

1. Online Appointment & Registration at Indian Consulate in Hong Kong

Visit Official Portal/Website for Booking Appointment: Visit the official Page at – Online Appointment Booking
Book Appointment: Look for the “Service Category” on Application Form for Online Appointment page. You will likely need to register to book a slot.
Select Category: Choose “Attestation of Domestic Helper Contract“ or specifically “Change of Employer” for change of employer.
Mandatory Appointment: No person without a valid appointment letter will be allowed entry into the Consulate. 

2. Required Documents for Change of Employer within 2 years contract

Change of employer within a contract period is not normally approved unless exceptional circumstances exist. Immigration Department 

Conditions for Employment for Foreign Domestic Helper in Hong Kong

Key Procedures & Documents for changing employer for an Indian helper

Exceptional Circumstances: Transfer, migration, death, or financial reasons of the original employer, or evidence of helper abuse/exploitation.

Standard Procedure: If no exceptional circumstances apply, the helper must return to India and apply for a new visa through the new employer.

Termination Notice: Both parties must notify the Immigration Department within 7 days of termination using Form ID 407E. 

For more details, please visit – Govt of Hong Kong Employment Section 

Guideline for FDH for changing employer – Labor Department

General Guideline for Employer of helper (FDH)

• Outside HK Return: If changing employer within the two-year contract (not at the end), the helper is generally required to return to India and apply for a new visa, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
• Processing Time: Applications are typically finalized within 10 working days upon receipt of all necessary documents.
• Agency Fees: Employment agencies cannot charge more than 10% of the first-month’s wages as commission. Immigration Department +2

It is highly recommended to use the Immigration Department online service to speed up the process. Immigration Department

Modes of Submission: Online, by post, or in-person at the Immigration Tower

3. Additional Requirements for Indian Nationals Helpers in Hong Kong

For Indian helpers specifically, additional steps are required at the 

Consulate General of India (CGI), Hong Kong:

• Contract Attestation: The new employment contract (ID 407) must be attested by the CGI.
• Termination/Release Letter: The previous employer must provide a release letter or Form ID407E.
• Required Documentation:
  • Duly filled Application Form  (PDF – 217.63 KB, English)
    2. Photocopy of employment contract with previous employer
    3. Photocopy of form ID407 E or Release letter from previous employer
    4. Duly filled new employment contract form (ID 407) in quadruplicate
    5. Photocopy of the Hong Kong /Macau ID & passport of employer
    6. Address proof of the employer
    7. Photocopy of Indian Passport, Hong Kong/ Macau ID & current visa of Domestic Helper, Original to be shown
    8. One latest and clear photograph of Domestic Helper
    9. Fee of HKD 172
• Application Submission: Submit within 4 weeks prior to contract expiry to the Foreign Domestic Helpers Section of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
• Modes of Submission: Online, by post, or in-person at the Indian Consulate in Admiralty.
• To renew the contract, please download and fill up the form from here.
• For more information, please visit – Indian Consulate in Hong Kong’s Official Website  
• Important Rules

4. Important Regulations for Indian Helpers in Hong Kong

• Two-Week Rule: Upon premature termination, a helper is typically permitted to remain in Hong Kong for only 2 weeks or the remainder of their stay, whichever is earlier.
• Home Leave: Helpers are generally required to return to their place of origin before starting a new contract. However, they may apply for an extension of stay (usually not exceeding one year) to defer home leave with mutual agreement from the new employer. GovHK 

Are you currently in the final weeks of a contract, or looking to terminate one early?

Disclaimer: Procedures, fee amounts, and document requirements are subject to change by the Ministry of External Affairs. Always check the latest notice on the specific consulate’s website.