Helper Contract Renewal Hong Kong 2026: Steps & Rules

Whether your helper's 2-year contract is ending and you want to renew, or you need to terminate the contract early — knowing the rules protects both you and your helper. This guide covers every form, timeline, cost, and legal obligation you need to know in 2026.

Contract Renewal — Step by Step

Start the renewal process 4–8 weeks before the contract expiry date. Do not leave this until the last week — Immigration processing takes time and an expired visa creates serious complications.

1. 1

   Review and agree on new salary

   Market data: experienced helpers with 2+ years tenure typically receive HK$5,300–5,800/month at renewal. Discuss openly — a fair renewal salary retains good helpers.

2. 2

   Sign new Standard Employment Contract (ID 407)

   Both employer and helper sign 4 copies of the new 2-year contract with the updated MAW (HK$5,100 minimum) and any agreed salary increase.

3. 3

   POLO/MWO verification (Filipino helpers)

   Submit the new signed contract to POLO/MWO Hong Kong for endorsement. Fee: HK$476. Processing: 3–10 working days.

4. 4

   Indonesian Consulate endorsement (Indonesian helpers)

   Submit to the Indonesian Consulate General. Fees and timeline vary — allow 2–3 additional weeks.

5. 5

   Apply for new HK visa at Immigration Department

   Submit ID 988A (helper) and ID 988B (employer) with all supporting documents. Fee: HK$230. Processing: 4–6 weeks.

6. 6

   Renew insurance

   Purchase a new insurance policy aligned with the new contract period before the old policy expires.

7. 7

   Receive new e-Visa

   Helper's employment continues uninterrupted. No need to leave Hong Kong for renewal.

• Documents needed: New ID 407 contract, employer's proof of income, helper's passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond contract end), POLO/Consulate verification letter
• Cost: Visa fee HK$230 + POLO/MWO HK$476 (Filipino) + insurance renewal
• What changes in the new contract: Updated MAW (if changed by government), updated food allowance, updated public holiday entitlements

Early Termination by Employer

Terminating a helper's contract early is a significant decision with legal and financial implications. Follow the process carefully to avoid legal exposure.

• Notice requirement: 1 month written notice OR payment of 1 month's wages in lieu of notice
• Severance payment: If helper has worked 2+ continuous years, you must pay severance at 2/3 × last month's wages × years of service
• Long service payment: If helper has worked 5+ years, long service payment applies (calculated differently from severance)
• MPF offsetting abolished May 2025: Under the new transition-period rules, employers can no longer offset severance/long service payments against MPF contributions. Budget accordingly.
• Release letter (Form ID 407E): You must issue a release letter confirming the contract termination and the reason. Helper requires this to change employers.
• Repatriation obligation: You must provide a one-way flight ticket back to the helper's home country (unless the helper finds a new employer before leaving).
• The two-week rule: After contract termination, the helper has maximum 14 days OR remaining visa validity (whichever is shorter) to leave HK or secure new employment.

Early Termination by Helper

A helper has the right to terminate the contract early with 1 month's notice. While this is commonly called 'job-hopping', it is a legal right under the Standard Employment Contract.

• Helper's right to terminate: 1 month written notice to employer
• The two-week rule: Once the contract ends (by either party), helper must leave HK within 14 days OR remaining visa validity, whichever is shorter
• Job-hopping concerns: Most job-hopping occurs due to mismatched salary expectations or poor working conditions — not random opportunism
• What to do if your helper wants to leave: Accept the notice professionally, issue the release letter promptly, and use SeekHelpers to find a replacement immediately
• Implications for immigration record: Frequent early terminations on an employer's record can affect future visa applications

Can My Helper Switch Employers?

• Transfer is allowed when: Contract is fully completed, employer and helper agree to mutual termination, employer is emigrating from HK, employer passes away
• Transfer is NOT allowed during active contract: A helper cannot break the current contract to start with a new employer — this is a visa violation
• The Immigration Department's stance: ImmD tracks employment history and frequent contract breaks are noted on record
• How to ensure smooth transition: Complete the contract, issue the release letter promptly, and allow the helper the full two-week window to secure new employment

How SeekHelpers Helps with Renewals

• Submit renewal documents through the app — no physical office visit required
• Real-time tracking of your renewal visa application status
• Contract template auto-filled with correct 2026 MAW and statutory terms
• Reminder notifications sent 8 weeks before contract expiry
• If you need a replacement helper after termination, SeekHelpers AI matching finds the best-fit candidates immediately