No. Under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme, the Employees Retraining levy is HK$9,600 per imported worker, paid once as a single lump sum — not $400 monthly. It is due after the visa is approved and before Immigration issues the visa, and the employer bears it. It is a statutory levy. The Employees Retraining Council and Immigration texts at the time prevail; this is not legal advice.
Last verified against Labour Department / Immigration Department publications: 2026-09-14.
HK$9,600 one-off — when it is paid
The levy is HK$9,600 per imported worker, paid as one lump sum after visa approval and before Immigration issues the visa — a precondition to issue. Budget it as a fixed statutory outlay per worker.
Why the “$400 a month” myth is wrong
The monthly-figure claim is a misreading, likely confused with charges under older arrangements. The amount and payment method under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme follow the official Employees Retraining Council, Labour Department and Immigration documents — never second-hand retellings.
Budgeting the cost
Per worker: levy HK$9,600 (one-off) + visa fee of about HK$330 + monthly wage at or above the published median. Housing is a further ongoing cost. Our cost page has the full breakdown — free assessment by post on request.
Who pays the levy?
The employer. HK$9,600 per imported worker, in one lump sum after visa approval and before the visa is issued.
Where can I verify the levy amount?
The Employees Retraining Council, the Labour Department’s ESLS documents and Immigration visa notes. Official originals always prevail over agency or article summaries.
What if the levy is not paid?
It is a statutory step before visa issue; unpaid means the visa will not be issued. Follow the authorities’ current procedure and deadlines.