Quick Answer
Salary cannot be reduced below the Minimum Allowable Wage (HK$5,100/month) — doing so is a criminal offence even if both parties agree. Duties must stay strictly domestic; assigning non-domestic work is illegal. A change of residential address is permitted but must be formally reported to the Immigration Department.
Quick Answer
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.
Quick Answer
No. Foreign domestic helpers are explicitly excluded from acquiring the right of abode in Hong Kong, regardless of how long they have worked here. This exclusion is stated in the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115, Schedule 1, paragraph 2) and was upheld by the Court of Final Appeal in 2013. The standard 7-year ordinary residence rule does not apply to the domestic helper visa category.
Quick Answer
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.
Quick Answer
Yes, helpers are entitled to at least one rest day per week (minimum four per month), plus 17 statutory public holidays per year. Neither can be replaced by cash — an actual day off (or a substitute day) is always required. If a helper works on a rest day, a substitute rest day must be given within 30 days. If a helper works on a statutory holiday, an alternative day off must be given within 60 days.
Quick Answer
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.
Quick Answer
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.
Quick Answer
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.
Quick Answer
Domestic helpers in Hong Kong are entitled to all 17 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 withheld.
