Revised helper agency rules target 'job-hopping'

The government on Thursday published a revised code of practice for employment agencies, partly to try to deter foreign domestic helpers (FDH) from "job-hopping". The move comes after complaints about helpers switching employers within a short period of time during the pandemic. Under the rules, agencies cannot offer money to encourage helpers to terminate their contracts early. They also need to clearly brief jobseekers on immigration regulations regarding changes of employer. Officials said some of the changes will also better protect employers as consumers, such as requiring agencies to set out in agreements the fees for each service category. "[They need to] clearly state whether a refund or arrangement for a replacement FDH will be provided where their services are not delivered in full, or the employment contract has been prematurely terminated by the FDH within the two-year contract period," the department said in a statement. The revised code also bars agencies from disclosing, posting or displaying publicly sensitive information about jobseekers, their families or former employers. The Labour Department said agencies will be at risk of losing their licence if they or their employees fail to follow the revised code.