Labour minister Chris Sun said on Friday that he will schedule a meeting with the Indonesian Consul General in Hong Kong to discuss new regulations from Jakarta that will increase the cost of hiring Indonesian domestic helpers in the city.

Earlier this week, union representatives from Indonesia flew in to explain that employers in the SAR will need to pay the local agency fee, instead of helpers.

Sun said the government has reminded Indonesian authorities in the past that any policy change should not significantly increase the cost of hiring Indonesian domestic helpers or reduce their employment opportunities in Hong Kong.

“We hope that the Indonesian side can find a proper solution,” Sun said.

“We will make it clear that any measures should not only target Hong Kong, and should be implemented equally. Therefore, we will actively express our position in this regard and defend Hong Kong's interests, striving for a proper solution.”

Sun added that officials will consider bringing in more helpers from other countries, including Cambodia and Bangladesh.