[samps]

Hi, Our Indonesian helper has been great to us and since we'll be leaving HK at the end of the year, I thought we could help her out by paying for her Permanent HK Visa so she could stay in HK.

How does it work? She's been continually living in HK for over 7 years, could she get a permanent visa?

Thanks

[jimbo]

I thought it would be the same thing for the Filipino helpers as in they're not entitled to HK Residency under the 7 year rule, Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

[Claire ex-ax]

You are correct jimbo.

Unlike most other people who are admitted to Hong Kong for employment, foreign domestic helpers are not entitled to become permanent residents after 7 years residence. Section 2(4) of the Immigration Ordinance excludes domestic helpers and certain other occupational categories.

[carang]

if they are here under a Foreign Domestic helper visa, they are not entitled to permanent residency. unfair and it sucks, but that is the way it is.

maybe you could give her a cash bonus instead?

[PDLM]

This is one of the many reasons why we don't have a racial discrimination law here - there's no way to make it compatible with this totally racist section of the Immigration Ordinance.

Too late for the OP's case, but for single helpers at least the best way is to pay for a Permanent Resident to marry them when they arrive (I understand that this service exists) so that they can switch to a normal Dependant Visa - you have a deal with them that you will employ them under the same terms as an FDH contract (although you don't need all the associated paperwork). And after 7 years they can apply for PR.

Of course the risk is that once they have the Dependant Visa they can go off and do anything they want so you have to trust them to stay with you.