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From October 1, 2003 onwards, any person who applies to the Immigration Department to employ, or renew a contract with, a foreign domestic helper (FDH) will have to pay a levy of $400 per month for the whole of the contract period.

"All new applications received by the Immigration Department from October 1, 2003 will be subject to payment of the levy," the spokesman said.

"An application for the renewal of contract with an FDH with contract expiring on or before October 28, 2003 will not be subject to the payment of levy if received by the Immigration Department within the four weeks before the contract expiry date. For example, an application from an FDH for renewal of a contract expiring on October 28, 2003 can be made on September 30, 2003. This includes an FDH with a contract expiring on October 28, 2003 and a limit of stay up to October 29, 2003. The application for contract renewal with such an FDH will not be subject to the payment of levy if it is submitted before October 1, 2003. But if the application is submitted on or after October 1, 2003, it will be subject to the payment of levy," the spokesman added.

"All applications for the renewal of contract with an FDH with contract expiring after October 28, 2003 will be subject to the payment of levy. Such applications will not be accepted before October 1, 2003."

The spokesman reminds employers that they should avoid submitting application for contract renewal too close to the expiry of the FDH's limit of stay to allow for ample time for processing the application. Otherwise, there may be a break between the contracts and the FDHs cannot work for their employers during the period.

The new application forms for employment of domestic helpers from abroad is available for distribution at the department's offices. Enquiries can be made with the Immigration Department at 2824 6111.

End/Thursday, September 25, 2003

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