The Impact of COVID-19 to Inbound Domestic Helper And Employer
In the recent severe local fifth wave epidemic, the Government has implemented the Community Isolation Facility (CIF) Hotel Scheme to provide isolated accommodation to people tested positive for COVID-19 but have no or mild symptoms. After reviewing the situation, the Government decided to convert Regala Skycity Hotel (Regala) and iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel, which are originally serving as DQFs for FDHs, into CIFs in conjunction with the implementation of the above Scheme. People currently residing in these two hotels will be transferred to other DQF/DQHs. The hotels will inform those affected one by one. As for the FDHs who have reserved for staying at these facilities from March 1 onwards, employers or employment agencies (EAs) should reserve other DQFs/DQHs for these FDHs. Room fees already paid will be fully refunded.
Starting from March 1 2022, the government announce that all foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) coming to work in Hong Kong may choose to undertake compulsory quarantine at both designated quarantine facilities (DQFs) or designated quarantine hotels (DQHs).
List of the Designated quarantine facilities (DQFs)
Employer or employment agencies who wishes to book their FDH can check the quarantine facilities, availability and prices here:
https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202202/22/P2022022200204_387843_1_1645498148873.pdf
Lists of the Designated Quarantine Hotels (DQHs)
Employer or employment agencies who wishes to book their FDH can check the quarantine hotels, availability and prices here:
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/designated-hotel-list-v7_en.pdf
What is the quarantine period for foreign domestic helper?
The date of arrival in Hong Kong is Day 1 and the quarantine period will last from Day 1 to 23:59 of the last day of 14 days compulsory quarantine and 7 days self-monitoring.
Following the end of compulsory quarantine
FDH will be required to undergo self-monitoring in the subsequent 7 days and compulsory testing(s) in accordance with the relevant regulations,. FDH also need to undergo the compulsory testing in the licensed hotels or guesthouses or at the employer’s residence. However, such licensed hotels or guesthouses must not be serving designated quarantine hotels or designated quarantine facilities, so as to prevent cross-infection with people who are still undergoing the 14-day compulsory quarantine.
Apart from licensed hotels or guesthouses, helpers are not allowed to undergo self-monitoring at places which are not the employer’s residence.
https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2022/01/20220128/20220128_164433_599.html
Documents needed for room reservation
When making the room reservation at DQFs/DQHs, the FDH’s passport copy, a valid employment visa and a recognized vaccination record must be made available. The reservation process is completed upon issuance of a booking confirmation by the facility/hotel. FDHs will need to provide the above documents for verification upon check-in.
Points to Note for FDH Before Arrival at Hong Kong
All inbound FDH are required to submit health declaration form. They can submit it online that can be found on this link: https://www.chp.gov.hk/hdf/
- After submitting the online form, the system will generate a QR code. Please save the result and show it to the border control point staff upon entering Hong Kong. The QR code is valid for 48 hours for arrival via Hong Kong International Airport (For arrival via land control points, the QR code is valid for 24 hours).
- All inbound FDH should present a negative result proof of a PCR-based nucleic acid test for COVID-19 taken within 48 hours of departure of their flight to Hong Kong.
- They also need to provide the confirmation of room reservation in a DQH or DQF.
- Should bring along the documentary proof for completion of vaccination.