Clarity has finally emerged after weeks of confusion over how domestic helpers from Indonesia are recruited for work in Hong Kong. An Indonesian diplomat based in the city has said there will be no change in policies, including for fees employers must pay.
Authorities in Hong Kong and Jakarta should follow up and remain engaged with the sector to ensure fairness for employers and workers, who play an important role supporting households so a wider segment of the population can join the workforce.
Local recruitment agencies had been accused of failing to comply with Jakarta’s recruitment rules. The Jakarta-based Indonesian Manpower Placement Agency Association (Aspataki) said employers, rather than helpers, must pay placement fees.
They said Jakarta was poised to stop processing applications that did not follow the regulations, amended in 2020 and again last year, to reduce indebtedness among workers. Helpers currently pay only for their training. Employers shoulder recruitment costs of up to HK$20,000 (US$2,548) and many including those on tight budgets were upset to learn they might have to pay a few thousand dollars more.
Some helpers also protested to demand that Jakarta tackle agency overcharging.
Clemens Triaji Bektikusuma, Indonesia’s consul for protocol and consular affairs, expressed “deep regret” that Aspataki’s announcement triggered confusion. He told the Post last week that employers could avoid overcharging by using one of the 262 consulate-accredited employment agencies rather than the over 1,000 agencies with no certification.
Employers would be wise to follow such advice, but the inconsistency underscores a need for authorities to focus on improving the system. The recent confusion persisted despite talks involving officials from both governments.
The city’s employment agencies also voiced concern about poor communication between Indonesian agencies and Jakarta authorities.
About 140,000 Indonesians account for more than 40 per cent of all foreign domestic workers in the city. Clouds may have lifted over the recruitment issue, but sustained dialogue is needed to ensure policy clarity and improvements continue.