Frequently Asked Questions

The Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for FDHs in Hong Kong is HK$5,100 per month for contracts signed on or after 30 September 2025. Paying less is a criminal offence. The MAW is reviewed annually by the government.

Home leave is a mandatory requirement under the Standard Employment Contract for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong to return to their home country for at least 7 days at the end of each 2-year contract. The employer is responsible for the cost of travel. It can be taken immediately at contract end or deferred for up to one year.

FDHs are entitled to paid annual leave after completing 12 months of service with the same employer. The entitlement starts at 7 days per year and increases progressively to a maximum of 14 days, based on years of service. If the contract is terminated, the employer must pay out any untaken leave.

Notify the Immigration Department (IMMD) in writing within 7 days of contract termination — this is legally required. You may also report to the Police and the helper's home country consulate. Do not sell or dispose of any belongings left behind.

No — you have no legal obligation to repay any loan your helper took out. Unless you explicitly signed as guarantor, the debt is entirely hers. If debt collectors contact you or send letters to your address, report them to the Companies Registry; if there is any physical threat, call the Police immediately.

When terminating an FDH contract, the employer owes: outstanding wages, wages in lieu of notice (if applicable), pro-rata annual leave pay, return airfare, and a HK$100/day travel allowance. Severance Payment applies after 2 years of service if dismissed for redundancy; Long Service Payment applies after 5 years for non-misconduct dismissals.

Yes. FDHs are legally required to live in the employer's home. Live-out arrangements — where the helper stays in their own accommodation — have not been permitted since April 2003. Employers must specify the helper's accommodation details in the Standard Employment Contract, and the Immigration Department must be notified of any address change.