Government says no changes planned to FDH probation, return-passage and agency-fee arrangements

Confirmed Government position; no new arrangement announced. In a LegCo reply on 14 October 2026 ↗, the Government said it sees no need to add a statutory probation period to the Standard Employment Contract for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs).

The Government also said it has no plan to change the requirement for employers to provide an FDH's return passage to their place of origin when the contract ends or expires.

Agency fees and early contract termination

The Government said employment-agency fees depend on the agency's service scope and its agreement with the employer, and are a matter of market practice. It said it is not appropriate for the Government to prescribe the mode or level of those fees.

The Labour Department revised the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies in May 2024. The reply says agencies must clearly state, where an FDH ends a contract early, whether they will provide a refund, a replacement FDH or other arrangements, and whether additional fees will be charged.

What employers should do

Before choosing an agency, ask for its refund, replacement and additional-fee terms in writing. Compare those terms alongside the agency's stated service scope and fee arrangement.

Last verified

18 October 2026.