勞工及福利局局長談暫時豁免僱員再培訓徵款

　　以下為勞工及福利局局長張建宗今日（七月三十日）就暫時豁免僱員再培訓徵款兩年會見傳媒的談話內容（中文部分）：

記者：局長，你會否擔心現時徵費暫停時，會多了一些僱主現時會暫不續約，或是提前解約，政府會如何解決這個問題？

勞工及福利局局長：我剛才說得很清楚，我們的出發點是完全希望整件事，除了顧及到僱主利益之外，同時要保障外傭的權益，這點很重要。所以在這個保障外僱的權益的角度來說，我們今次有一個特別措施。我很感激入境處處長充分合作，會在豁免期兩年內，行使酌情權，特別安排提早續約，免得僱主因為希望想享有優惠便盡早解約，這是我們不想見到的。我們希望在這個安排之下，只要大家雙方同意的話，那僱主便可向入境處申請提早續約。如此一來，僱主便可以很快享有那個所謂的優惠，零徵款的優惠，這點是很重要的，這是一項突破。我們的出發點是保障僱員的利益。因為現在的要求是，提前解約的話，僱員便要離開香港。現在處長便會彈性和豁免，在這裏行使酌情權，使外傭不用離港。

記者：在政策宣布後，這半個月內僱主想多些享用優惠，可否提早要求或是續約，會有多少僱主受惠呢？

勞工及福利局局長：這方面很難估計，我相信這個純粹是僱主自己的決定，我們給他們自己一個選擇，但是僱主亦不需要心急。我想強調，我們這個計劃是個很公平、很公正的計劃。過往一段日子很多錯覺、很多誤解，認為這個計劃不公道，其實是相當公道。我們設計時是前瞻性的，我們以發出入境簽證為起點和基礎。同時大家都明白到，例如外傭的加薪，我們都不會回到現有的合約，而是新合約才實施的，是公道的。甚至徵款，我們在○三年推出來時都是適用於新合約，不是舊合約。這個法治的精神很重要。同時大家要明白到，我們今次是盡可能在現有的法律框架之下，盡一切努力去回應僱主和外僱的憂慮和利益。

Read the full text of the press conference: 勞工及福利局局長談暫時豁免僱員再培訓徵款（二）

8月1日的灣仔入境處 Immigration department on August 1

相信大家都知道8月1日是政府免外傭徵收稅的重大日子！我們公司有幸在這大日子到入境處見識一下(其實是去領收簽證 =.=)。當日人山人海的混亂情況真是千年難得一見！我們公司的一位同事在上午7:00到入境處排隊，直至下午二時才能成功領取四個簽證，也即是足足花了七小時才能領取！真是苦不堪言……以下是當天灣仔入境處的一些埸面：

Should you terminate and rehire your helper to get levy relief?

Dear Friends,

Recent changes in HK government policy regarding the levy have caused great confusion. You may be wondering "should I terminate my contract with my helper and re-sign another contract. Here are some issues you need to consider:

1)  Don't make a hasty decision. The government may not be finished changing the levy policy and the procedures.. They did not consider the consequences of what would happen if all the HK people fired and rehired their employees at the same time. Now they are reacting to protests from employers and helpers alike. Don't be in a hurry to make a decision. Wait a week or two because there may be more amendments to the policy.

Under the current law, a DH is not allowed to work unless she is under contract, if you fire your present helper, and she must leave HK, what will you do? The HK policy has not yet made it clear if they will allow a contract worker to stay and work whilst the new contract is processed at IMD (6-8 weeks)

2) Look at your records. When did you last pay the levy? If you recently made a payment, there is NO NEED for rash action. The government is not going to give you a refund, so if you have 3-6 months of levy already paid up, then relax and do your homework before making a decision.

3) Do the math. How much total levy have you paid? If you have paid more than 1 year's worth of the levy, then it might not be worth taking action. The levy for 2 years is $9600. If, for example, you have already paid $4800, you can possibly gain $4800 by terminating and re-signing your helper, BUT WAIT...

$4800 sounds good, but don't forget to subtract
$3480 in lieu of 1 month's notice (give 1 mo. notice and save this amount)
$2000 for round trip ticket to the Philippines
$XXXX for the pain and suffering you will have while you wait for her to return (up to 2 months with no helper)
$ 100/month in higher salary x 12 months = $1200/year
$ 800 Arrow agency fee for processing the new contract for terminated helper

-----------------------------------
IS IT WORTH IT? MAYBE NOT!

4)  Think it through. Do you want to keep your helper for another 2 years? Does she want to work for you for another 2 years? Don't take the answer for granted.

5) Talk to your helper. Your helper is probably feeling insecure and frightened. She is wondering if you are going to terminate her to save money. Talk to her about this issue. If you decide to take this step, make the decision jointly, and plan it so that it causes both you and her the least amount of trouble.

If you have any questions please feel free to call us. Since the government policy is still changing, we may not be able to give you firm answers. You may also want to call the Immigration hotline for the latest news. 

HK IMD Tel 2824 6111  Fax: 2877 7711

Email:  enquiry@immd.gov.hk

Website: http://www.immd.gov.hk/

For complete information on the Government policy on the levy, click here.

At your service,

Allan and Ione Smith

涉摑傷5歲少主 印傭被捕 - 香港文匯報

We know hiring a helper is frightening. Most of them are good, but some of them are not (as the article below points out). At Arrow, we try to reduce the risk of hiring a helper by focusing on character more than experience and job skills. We often say, "housecleaning is not rocket science". Your helper can learn the job quickly if you give her a chance, but if her character is bad, well "江河易改．．．”

涉摑傷5歲少主 印傭被捕 - 香港文匯報

■疑遭家中印傭虐打男童，由外婆陪同送院。

　【本報訊】九龍灣麗晶花園昨發生虐兒案。一名到職才兩周的印尼女傭，不習慣5歲少主男童的頑皮行為，昨午打少主手掌作懲戒時遇反抗，印傭怒揮肉掌摑向少主左臉頰，男童當場流鼻血，急致電母親求救，外婆聞訊趕至報警將外孫送院敷治，印傭涉傷人被捕。

　涉嫌打傷少主的印尼女傭Ferrida，29歲。被打男童姓梁，5歲，經敷治已無大礙。據34歲梁母稱，之前的印尼女傭解約返鄉，涉案印傭Ferrida新到職才兩周，疑與其子不熟悉而出事，日後不敢再留用她。

New Hope for Maids

The following article is from the HK Standard. The lesson here is PLEASE DON'T PANIC ABOUT THE LEVY. Wait and see what the final legislation is before taking action. If your helper was scheduled to arrive in August, but you have now put their arrival off until September, this is good news. If the government acts in the next day or two, we will do our best to get your helper here before the start of school.

The Standard - Hong Kong's First FREE English Newspaper

New hope for maids   by Beatrice Siu            Monday, July 21, 2008

The waiving of the domestic helper levy is likely to start a month early following criticism that the government has left foreign maids in limbo.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said yesterday he is optimistic that the levy will be suspended starting August 1 and not September.

The original plan part of the government's inflation-relief package had been criticized for causing employers to rethink renewing contracts to avoid paying the HK$400 a month levy.

Maids whose contracts expire must be reemployed within 14 days or leave the territory.

Cheung said there will be more meetings with the Immigration Department and a decision needing the Executive Council's approval should be reached within a day or two.

Sources said the department has now
extended the 14-day period to ease the situation, with the stipulation
that the maids should not be engaged in work or study in order for them
to stay in Hong Kong.

Domestic helpers without contracts have reportedly crowded temporary dormitories.

A
domestic helper named Dolores said the government did not provide
sufficient information about the waiver, causing chaos among both maids
and employers.

"Employers have terminated the contracts of about
20 of my friends because of the waiver," said Indonesian Migrant
Workers' Union chairwoman Rosemi.

However, according to maids'
organizations, some employers despite terminating contracts will allow
helpers to stay, but without working.

"They were told to go out during the day and return at night to sleep," Rosemi said.

She said committee members will hold further discussions on the situation, including dialogue with the government.

The September timetable angered employers due to renew contracts as they will not enjoy the inflation-relief measure.

Hong
Kong Employers of Domestic Helpers Association chairman Joseph Law
welcomed the government's move, but said an earlier waiver may not
solve the problem.

The total HK$9,600 levy for a two- year
contract can be paid in four phases. Under the law, employers have to
pay the first six months, or HK$2,400, in one installment.

Law said the government should reimburse employers who have prepaid more than one installment.

Teresa
Liu Tsui-lan, managing director of Technic Employment Service Centre,
said the concession will not benefit those who have signed contracts.

The best way, Liu said, would be to cancel the levy altogether so that all employers will benefit.

Liu
last week said that about half of her company's clients had called to
reconsider hiring and some had considered terminating the contract of
their maids.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party in a rally yesterday said the waiver will only benefit the middle class.

Protesters marched from Chater Garden to the central government offices where they submitted a petition.

未獲續約外傭逼爆「收容所」

(星島日報 報道)政府宣布豁免兩年外傭稅措施後，不少外傭被逼要等到九月才續約，代表全港二十五萬名外傭的十個外傭團體，今天召開緊急大會商討對策。有僱傭中心表示，中心所設的宿舍已幾近「爆棚」，擠滿「流離失所」的外傭。

　　關注外傭組織KOTKIHO發言人MIA指出，今午會召集包括菲傭、印傭、尼泊爾 及泰傭等十個關注團體，就政府九月一日凍結兩年外傭稅措施的連串影響，商討進一步行動，今天有決定後將公布，並要求約見政府有關官員，讓其了解目前外傭的窘境。

　　僱主促停徵稅

家傭的人工增加 Salary Increase for Domestic Helpers

由2008年7月10日起，家傭的人工將上調$100至$3580。若你的合約在2008年7月9日午夜前簽署，你所需支付的人工依然是$3480/每月。任何於2008年7月9日後簽署的合約都會有新的最低工資。

Starting July 10, 2008, the salary for domestic helpers will increase by $100 to $3580. If you signed your contract before midnight on July 9, 2008, the salary is still $3480/month. Any contracts signed after July 9, 2008 will have the new minimum wage.

施牧師將會去美國，但Arrow依然照常運作！Allan is going to the States, but Arrow is still open for business

我(施牧師)將會在7月12至8月4日(三星期)到美國探望我的父母。麥小姐和我的太太(Ione)會確保公司一切營運正常。如果您希望跟我洽談關於家傭的事，請於本星期與我聯絡。您也可透過電郵Allan@arrowes.hk、yahoo! messenger(Yahoo ID: allan.arrow)、或者skype (ID: ncdcoach)和我聯絡。我們可以透過網上視像會議進行面試。基於香港和美國的時差大約是15-16小時，請勿在中午時份致電給我，因我將在睡夢之中！

I (Allan) will be in the States for 3 weeks (July 12- August 4) visiting my parents. Miss Mak and my wife, Ione will keep things running smoothy at Arrow. If you desperately want to talk to me about a helper, talk to me this week. I'll also be available via email (Allan@arrowes.hk) and you can also contact me via Yahoo! messenger  (Yahoo ID: allan.arrow) or Skype (ID: ncdcoach). We can even do conference call interviews through the internet. The time in the US is 15-16 hours behind us, so please don't call in the middle of the day, HK time. I'll be asleep. 

2nd Annual OFW Appreciation Day

我們現正聯同大約8-10個菲律賓聚會、美國一所大型教會和一些菲律賓教會一同合作，資助一個活動，旨在於服侍和鼓勵一些來港當傭工的人。在29/6、下午3-7時，我們專誠為了這些菲國工人預訂了一艘天星小輪，分兩段時段作維港遊。介時，菲國歌手Christian Bautista 會當埸為大家表演。由於兩次遊覧只可容納約600人，我們會以「憑票入座」形式舉辦活動。所有精薦的家傭和恩禧堂的會友都是我們的對象。因此，如果你是我們精薦的僱主，我們誠懇地希望你能讓你的家傭在當日(29/6,星期日)能遲一點才回家。多謝你的考慮！

We are working together with 8-10 local Filipino congregations, a big American church and churches from the Philippines to sponsor an event aimed at serving and encouraging those who serve Hong Kong families. On June 29th from 3-7 p.m. we have booked 2 Star Ferry harbor cruises for OFWs. A Filipino music star, Christian Bautista is flying in to entertain the workers. The two cruises can only handle 600 people total, so we are issuing tickets for this event. Arrow helpers and Jubilee Church members will be involved in this outreach event, so if you are an Arrow employer, perhaps you'll allow your worker to return a little later on Sunday, June 29th. Thanks for your consideration.

The lady I wanted is already hired! *@#!

不少僱主對某些剛完成訓練的家傭有一些查詢。抱歉地，部份僱主希望雇用的家傭已被別人搶先一步地雇用。這是因為我們有部份顧客在雇用某位家傭後，他的家傭基於某些原因(驗身出現問題或證件問題)而不能來港。為了保障這些顧客的權益，我們會優先讓他們挑選新一批的家傭。當他們替換家傭後，我們會開放這些家傭讓大家選擇。我相信當你挑選了我們的家傭後，你也希望我們繼續奉行此政策的。因此，請見諒我們的難處。

Many of you have inquired about some of the ladies in our new batch of trainees. We are very sorry that some of the ones you wanted have been hired by others. We have clients who hired one of our Arrow ladies, and, for one reason or the other, their helper could not come to Hong Kong. (E.G. failed medical or passport problem). Because these are existing customers, our policy is to allow them to have first choice from the new helpers. After they have chosen their replacement helper, then we open the trainees up for everyone else. I'm sure that once you hire an Arrow helper, you will want us to apply this policy to you as well. Thank you for understanding.

On the other hand, we have many well qualified and good helpers available! Please check the ones with scores first. The 2nd week of trainees have not been fully evaluated yet. Take a look at our applicants. You won't find these ladies at any other agency. They are exclusive to Arrow.

Your baby talks! Do you know what he/she is saying?

基於我們的顧客大多期待着新生命的來臨，我特意轉貼了一個關於Priscilla Dunstan 在The Oprah Show的分享給大家。Priscilla Dunstan是個厲害的人物！她懂得跟1-3個月大的嬰兒溝通，並了解他們的語言。她能很快地教懂你他們在說什麼！初為人父人母的你，請到下列的連結瀏覽整個故事吧！

Since most of our clients are expecting babies, I am reprinting the post about Priscilla Dunstan, who was on The Oprah Show. This lady is amazing; she has disciphered the language of 1-3 month old infants. She can quickly teach you what they are saying. New moms and dads, please go to the link below and read the whole story.

Amazing Medical Breakthroughs: Priscilla Dunstan's Gift 

"Priscilla Dunstan hears babies' words.
For millions of sleep-deprived mothers around the world, this woman's findings could be a miracle! Priscilla Dunstan, a mom from Australia with a special gift, says she's unlocked the secret language of babies."

"When Priscilla was a toddler, her parents discovered she
had a photographic memory for sound. At age 4, she could hear a Mozart
concert on the piano and play it back note for note.

Priscilla says her gift has helped her hear a special "second
language" beyond English, allowing her to detect moods and even
diagnose illnesses! "Other people might hear a note but I sort of get
the whole symphony," Priscilla says. "So when someone's speaking, I get
all this information that other people might not pick up."

That mysterious second language took on an astounding new meaning
when Priscilla became a mother to her baby, Tom. "Because of my gift
for sound, I was able to pick out certain patterns in his cries and
then remember what those patterns were later on when he cried again,"
Priscilla says. "I realized that other babies were saying the same
words."

Arrow Orientation May June 2008

Our new group of trainees are ready to work in Hong Kong. We have just finished two weeks of orientation and interviews and the latest batch of trainees are quite impressive. They are hard working, have good attitudes and seem to be really nice people. The level of English is the best overall of any training so far. A number of the ladies are ex-abroad. They have been very cooperative and responsive to our training. Their profiles have been added to our website, but we haven't scored the 2nd week yet. Candidates from the first week went directly to the government testing and all of them passed. Take a look, but don't take too long, because there is great interest in this class of trainees.

New Arrow domestic workers available now!

在菲律賓，為期兩個星期的家傭訓練終於結束了！新一批的家傭簡直能以完美來形容！她們的質素也是有目共睹，有證有據的。就連我們在菲律賓的合作伙伴公司，其公司主席在參與我們的訓練課程後亦讚道：「嘩！這些女傭真棒呀！」我們相信你也一定會同意的！詳情參看

We have recently finished two weeks of domestic helper orientation in the Philippines. This batch of trainees has been the best yet. The quality of these people is evident. The president of the Philippine agency that we partner with, attended our training and commented "Wow, these ladies are really good." We think you'll agree. Take a look.

Mixing church and business, hmmmm

Some of you may wonder: "Why is this guy mixing church and business?" The simple explanation is "we care". But from a strictly business point of view, it also makes sense. We provide a caring community for the people who find work through Arrow.  Because they have people who care for them, they will be less likely to succumb to homesickness, or get into trouble by hanging out with the wrong people. Your helper will be happier, adjust more quickly and have the resources of a loving community to help her as she learns her new job. A happy well adjusted helper is more likely to have a happy satisfied employer.  The life principles we learn at church also help us become better people during the week. Well, that's my theory anyway. What do you think?

Our church's Filipino Fellowship went to Repulse Bay for a baptism. There was a 3000 meter safety swim going on at the time. The goal was to promote health and water safety. The organizers, however, hired these old junks to put their VIPs on. The junks filled the bay with acrid smoke, making our eyes sting, and even a little difficult to breath.

Our baptism went well. Three ladies were baptized: Cristina Cauilan, Lark Modesto, and Corazon Marbebe. We had a great time playing in the ocean (the water was wonderful - clean and cool), and the beach wasn't crowded. Here are some pictures.

印尼家傭疑上班兩日涉偷千萬

A number of years ago, someone invented a couple of wonderful devices for protecting your valuables: 1) Bank safe deposit boxes and 2) safes. Employers often complain that their helpers have no "common sense". How does "mixing up the fruit knife with the meat knife" compare to leaving millions of dollars of valuables lying around your home? Where is our common sense? If you keep valuables at home, for goodness sake, spend a few thousand dollars and buy a safe.

[03/04 星期四 14:40]

印尼一名家庭傭工，懷疑上班兩日就偷去僱主近二百萬美元財物，被警方追緝。男戶主是六十七歲加拿大籍退休商人兼古董收藏家。四十歲女戶主表示，她星期一外出之後，返回雅加達附近的住所，發現大批財物不翼而飛，包括九千六百美元現款、重一點五公斤的金條、一公斤純銀、三十二隻名錶、鑽石及大批金幣銀幣，而女傭就不知所蹤。

事發時屋內還有男管家、狗隻訓練員、園丁、保安及其他工人，警方已查問過他們，但對於誰是疑犯，暫時未有頭緒。

港嬰睡眠全球最遲最少

You know I hate to be "I told you so" kind of person :-), but in an earlier post we discussed the sleep needs of children. As it turns out, even our newborn babies are not getting enough sleep.
(綜合報道)
(星島日報
報道) 香港人生活忙碌，晚睡早起，原來這些習慣對下一代亦有影響。調查發現，香港嬰兒是全球嬰兒中，最夜睡及睡得最少的，而亦有近七成受訪媽媽認為寶寶睡
眠有問題。兒科專家建議，父母可以為嬰兒進行恆常的睡前準備，幫助他們入睡，及減少他們夜間醒來的次數。亞太區兒科睡眠協會於○七及○八年間，進行一項關於全球嬰兒睡眠的調查，就全球十六個國家地區共三萬個○至三歲嬰兒的睡眠狀況、睡眠習慣及媽媽對嬰兒
睡眠評估作分析，當中包括一千多名香港嬰兒。

Read the whole story below:

港嬰睡眠全球最遲最少 - Yahoo! 新聞

Shalom in the Home

My daughter introduced me to this website. Let me know what you think?

TLC :: Shalom in the Home :: Shmuleyisms

You can't be a good parent without being a good spouse.

There are two kinds of parental love: the love you give your kids,
and the love you give your spouse.

Kids with loving spouses grow up believing in romantic love.

It's your kid's job to resist. It's your job to impose your will.

Arrow家庭畫冊

Arrow Family Album

Show off your kids! I've started an Arrow Family Photo album.  My problem is: "I don't have any pictures. If you have an Arrow helper, please send me a picture of your helper with your kids, the whole family, whatever. We'd love to post them on our website.

我的仔令我發狂

Help with 7 year old boys

My grandson is 7 years old and attends a local Chinese school. Sometimes the pressure of helping him/forcing him to do his homework is enough to drive us crazy. Of all our customers, it seems that those with 6,7 & 8 year old boys are under the greatest stress. If you know of any good parent forums for children this age, please let me know. I found one in English (http://www.conductdisorders.com/), but would love to find one in Chinese.  Hong Kong Character City 香港有品 also has some great resources for families. Check it out!  Thanks for your help.

Maid shakes baby boy

I hope and pray that this little boy is okay. Parents with small infants are wise to install internet cameras, so that they can check in on their children during the day. I imagine that the parents are feel both anger and guilt. Whenever anything bad happens to our children we (parents) always blame ourselves.

狂搖3月大少主 菲傭還柙 - 香港文匯報

【本報訊】中年菲律賓女傭疑因不滿僱主一家遷怒於少主，涉嫌向不足3月大男少主抱起大力搖晃洩憤，但遭僱主安裝的閉路電視拍下。涉案菲傭被落案起訴一項虐兒罪，昨被解上屯門裁判法院提堂，暫毋須答辯，還柙至下月7日在荃灣裁判法院再訊，以待警方進一步調查。