Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if at all possible — especially if children are involved. Use the first one to two weeks to train, observe, and build trust. Show your routines, demonstrate how you want things done, and assess how the helper handles your children before leaving them alone together.

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.

The employer must pay for the helper's return airfare to their place of origin at the end of every contract — whether it runs to completion, is terminated early, or involves home leave between contracts. Book an actual ticket rather than handing over cash wherever possible.

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.

Helpers are entitled to at least one rest day per week (minimum four per month). You and the helper can mutually agree for them to work on a scheduled rest day if you give 48 hours' notice — you can either grant a substitute day or pay for the extra day worked. Rest days are separate from statutory holidays and annual leave, each of which has its own rules.

Foreign Domestic Helpers (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.

FDHs in Hong Kong are entitled to all 15 statutory holidays per year, and the day off is mandatory from the very first day of employment. However, the employer is only required to pay for statutory holidays once the helper has been continuously employed for at least 3 months. During the first 3 months, the day off is still compulsory — only the payment for that day may be voluntarily given, otherwise deducted from their monthly pay.

Yes. Under Clause 9 of the Standard Employment Contract, you must provide free medical treatment to your helper for the entire duration of employment — including non-work-related illness. This goes beyond what Employees' Compensation Insurance covers, so budget for out-of-pocket medical costs. The most common solution is to buy comprehensive insurance that includes both medical and the mandatory Employees' Compensation Insurance.

Either party may end an FDH contract early by giving one month's written notice, or paying one month's wages in lieu. Both employer and helper must notify the Immigration Department within 7 days using Form ID407E. The employer must also settle all outstanding wages, untaken annual leave, and the helper's return airfare.

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 — like any employee, your helper can terminate the contract by giving one month's notice or paying one month's wages in lieu. After termination, the two-week rule applies: she must leave Hong Kong or secure a new employer within 14 days.

Long service payment (LSP) is required after 5 continuous years of service when a helper is dismissed without misconduct, reaches age 65, or resigns due to certified ill-health. It is calculated at two-thirds of last month's wages per year, with monthly wages capped at HK$22,500.

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.

Write your rules down before the helper arrives — covering working hours, phone usage, food, cleaning standards, and rest day arrangements. Go through them together on day one, explain the reasoning, and give the helper a copy. Clear expectations prevent most conflicts.

Yes, generally. Before a new contract begins, a foreign domestic helper must return home for at least 7 days — and the employer pays the return airfare. If both parties agree and the Immigration Department approves, home leave can be deferred by up to one year, letting the helper stay in Hong Kong and take leave later.