To extend the coverage of the Special Incentive Allowance Scheme for Local Domestic Helpers, the Government has relaxed some of its rules.

The $60 million scheme supplements the wages of local domestic helpers who accept jobs far from their homes or involving unusual working hours.

'Unsocial hours', previously defined as the period between 6pm and 9am, has been revised to the period from 5pm to 9am, and 'cross-district' applications will be accepted in addition to 'cross-harbour' applications.

Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung said the relaxations will enable more local domestic helpers to benefit from the scheme.

"The scheme will go a long way towards addressing the mismatch in supply and demand arising from geographical locations and working hours," he said.

To address the problem of geographical mismatch, the 'cross district' requirement has been relaxed. Helpers may apply for the allowance if they work outside their home districts. The demarcation of districts follows that of the District Councils.

Over 500 successful applications recorded

The Government launched the scheme in June for local domestic helpers who are willing to work far from their homes or during unsocial hours. The Employees Retraining Board administers the scheme.

Each qualified helper can apply for the allowance at a daily rate of $50 for a maximum of 24 days per month and 144 days within one year.

To qualify for the allowance, the helpers must have undergone related training with the board, obtained a competency card and been placed in a job by the board's Integrated Scheme for Local Domestic Helpers.

Helpers seeking further information should approach the board or the regional service centres of the scheme.