While most foreign residents can apply for permanent residency after seven years, maids are not eligible.

BBC: Hong Kong court hears Filipino maid residency case

Hong Kong's highest court is hearing an appeal in a case that will decide whether maids will be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

BBC: Hong Kong court hears Filipino maid residency case

Others have called for shorter residency limits - such as four or six years - for domestic helpers so that they cannot apply for permanent residency.

BBC: Hong Kong court delays ruling in immigration case

After 10 years, people with provisional legal status could apply for permanent residency if the new security and fencing plans were operating, a new mandatory employment verification system was in place, and a new electronic exit system was tracking who leaves the country.

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Non-permanent residents apply for and receive only time-limited residency visas (usually one to three years).

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Some letter writers and commentators have said they fear their jobs will be taken if having permanent residency allows former domestic helpers to apply for other jobs.

BBC: Hong Kong court delays ruling in immigration case

The undocumented could immediately apply for a special protective status to avoid deportation, but it would take them about eight years to get legal permanent residency (a green card) and another four or five years to become a U.S. citizen.

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