LCQ6: Regulation of excessive borrowing by foreign domestic helpers

Following is a question by the Hon Elaine Chik and a reply by the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, in the Legislative Council today (October 21): Question: It has been reported that many foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) incur debts arising from pre-departure training and intermediary fees before coming to Hong Kong, and then borrow excessively after arrival. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) how the authorities will strengthen interdepartmental collaboration (including working alongside the Immigration Department, the Labour Department, the relevant Consulates General in Hong Kong and employment agencies) to step up publicity and education at source, so as to prevent FDHs from falling into traps involving overseas training fees and lending, and to regulate and prevent their excessive borrowing in Hong Kong; (2) as the industry has reflected that only a small number of licensed money lenders are currently registered to interface with Credit Data Smart (CDS), of the specific measures the authorities have put in place to help small and medium-sized money lenders to overcome the technical barriers to system interfaci

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