[2022 Quarantine of foreign domestic helpers] Hotel arrangements, required documents, and entry procedures

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages around the world, those who enter Hong Kong from countries outside mainland China are now regarded as group A visitors, and have to quarantine in designated quarantine hotels for 14 days upon arrival. One unintended result of this? The supply of foreign domestic helpers in the city-state is falling and is failing to meet demand. 

Government data shows that the number of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong has gradually dropped from a peak of more than 400,000 two years ago to around 350,000 today. As many individuals and families are reliant on foreign domestic helpers, today’s Kwiksure feature outlines the quarantine arrangements for foreign domestic helpers, the list of quarantine hotels, and entry procedures.

What documents do foreign domestic helpers need for quarantine upon arrival in Hong Kong?

Domestic helpers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Thailand, or Pakistan need to prepare the following documents:

• A COVID-19 vaccination record issued by the relevant authorities in their country of departure
• A valid foreign domestic helper work visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department
• A negative COVID-19 test result issued by an accredited laboratory or medical facility within 48 hours of departure
• A confirmation letter in Chinese or English under the foreign domestic helper’s name for a 14-day stay at an approved quarantine hotel/facilities in Hong Kong 

What is the quarantine process for foreign domestic helpers?

Upon arrival in Hong Kong, foreign domestic helpers must have their saliva samples taken at the temporary sample collection center of the Department of Health at AsiaWorld-Expo. The test results will be released on the same day and foreign domestic helpers will be provided refreshments whilst waiting for the results. 

After the results have been released, the foreign domestic helper can proceed to immigration and baggage collection. If the test result is negative, the helper can then follow the instructions at the airport pick-up hall to take a designated vehicle to the quarantine hotel for 14-day compulsory quarantine.

What are the designated quarantine facilities for foreign domestic helpers?

Starting March 1st, 2022, all foreign domestic helpers coming to work in Hong Kong can choose to undergo compulsory quarantine for 14 days at designated quarantine facilities or designated quarantine hotels. Please see below a list of designated quarantine facilities.

List of Designated Quarantine Facilities:

Note: Regala Skycity Hotel and iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel, which were originally designated quarantine facilities for foreign domestic helpers, will be converted into community isolation facilities to cope with the local surge in cases. Those who are staying in the two hotels will be transferred to other designated quarantine facilities/hotels.

Read more:

COVID-19: Quarantine and isolation measures for foreign domestic helpers arriving in Hong Kong at a glance

[COVID-19] Is your domestic helper insurance enough for health protection?

What documents for foreign domestic helpers are needed to book quarantine facilities/hotels?

Employers and employment agencies who will be booking quarantine facilities for foriegn domestic helpers must use the foreign domestic helper’s full name as per their passport. This is because the reserved room is not transferable to another person. 

When booking a designated quarantine facility or hotel for a foreign domestic helper, it’s necessary to provide a copy of the foreign domestic helper's passport, valid work visa, and approved vaccination records. After the facility/hotel issues a booking confirmation, the room reservation process will be completed. The helper is also required to provide the aforementioned documents for verification.

What should foreign domestic helpers and employers take note of during the quarantine period?

1. During the quarantine period, the foreign domestic helpers are not allowed to leave and no visitors are allowed to visit.
2. Employers are advised to arrange a SIM card for the helper, and can send it to the hotel front desk for easy contact.
3. Employers are not obliged to pay the foreign domestic helper during the 14-day quarantine period in the hotel unless the helper remains in home quarantine.
4. Employers are required to pay COVID-19 nucleic acid testing fees and accommodation fees during the quarantine period for the helpers, and provide them with meal allowances.