Hong Kong scraps foreign maids’ levy

Hong Kong authorities have abolished the levy paid by employers of foreign domestic workers, a move welcomed by the Philippine government.

Citing the report of Philippine Labor Attache to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Manuel Roldan, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the controversial Employees Retraining Levy will be abolished after the law expires in July 2013.

While the levy was in effect, employers were made to pay HK$9,600 (P50,239) for each two-year contract for foreign domestic helpers.

Employers of foreign household service workers vigorously protested the levy until the Hong Kong government suspended its implementation for five years. The suspension will expire in July 2013.