Hiring a foreign domestic helper can be time-consuming and costly, with high competition and potential wait times. Before deciding, consider that local helpers can also handle most household tasks. This article compares both options to help you choose.

On September 27, 2024, the Hong Kong government announced a rise in the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers. This wage adjustment reflects a modest increase from the previous rate and will take effect for all new contracts signed from September 28, 2024. However, the meal allowance remains unchanged with a specified minimum requirement. We will look into the details and compare it with wage levels in other Asian countries.

First-time employers often seek online guidance when hiring foreign domestic helpers, but the information can be overwhelming and sometimes inaccurate. To help, the Immigration Department has published a 22-page "Guidebook for the Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad." We’ve reviewed it and highlighted key points, including qualifications, the Undertaking, and a simplified application process.

When hiring a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong, employers not only need to pay for the medical expenses of helper, but may also be held responsible for the helper’s act. Therefore, it is crucial for employers to understand what kind of protections foreign domestic helper insurance covers to avoid unexpected costs. This Q&A addresses issues regarding vicarious liability, personal responsibility of helpers, arrangements during typhoon days, and issuing warning letters.

California Insurance, with its flexible and all-around domestic helper insurance plans, recently won the "Most Popular Domestic Helper Insurance Plan" award at the "HK01 Parenting Favorite Lifestyle Brands Awards 2024." This recognition highlights California Insurance's leading position in the domestic helper insurance market and its commitment to safeguarding both employers and helpers.

When a foreign domestic helper (FDH) completes their contract and returns to their home country, the employer should not only send them off with good wishes but also arrange their return, handle long service payments, and pay any outstanding holiday wages. Even if the contract is terminated due to performance issues or by mutual agreement for other reasons, the employer must address the same matters. Previously, we had an article discussed how to calculate termination notice pay and long service payments for FDHs; this time, we will share regulations on travel expenses, meal, and transportation allowances.

Certain situations, though rare, such as a foreign domestic helper's pregnancy or the overlap of rest days with statutory holidays, are important for employers to understand to avoid breaking the law. This article provides a Q&A on issues related to foreign domestic helpers' pregnancy, maternity leave, and holidays.

The previous episode on financial management tips for foreign domestic helpers briefly explained how to handle debt and provided some background on common debt issues. However, prevention is better than cure. Rather than addressing problems after they arise, employers can teach or assist domestic helpers in enhancing their financial knowledge and handling related issues. This episode, we will suggest some methods to educate foreign domestic helpers and proactive steps employers can take.

Employers often report that foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) use their home address for loan applications, leading to harassment from financial companies when FDHs can't repay their debts. To address this, employers should help FDHs understand the importance of prudent financial management. It's also crucial to understand why FDHs accumulate debt. This article will share key financial management tips for FDHs to avoid such issues.

Recently, a notable incident occurred in Hong Kong: a newly arrived Filipino foreign domestic helper was diagnosed with leprosy, highlighting the importance of health checks and insurance for foreign domestic helpers. This article will discuss the incident, government requirements, and the significance of insurance for foreign domestic helpers.

The "Standard Employment Contract" outlines specific terms, but many Hong Kong employers often struggle to match clauses to situations. As a result, social media forums for foreign domestic helpers frequently feature scenario-based questions. In Volume 2, we cover these common topics: minimum wage, food allowance, privacy, medical expenses, buying holidays, and borrowing money. Understanding these beforehand can be very helpful.

There was a Facebook discussion group for foreign domestic helpers, a prospective employer asked whether it would be acceptable if a helper stated a need to stay outside during their time off. At the same time, the helper's agency claimed that it was legal. Are these statements correct?

Online discussions in foreign domestic helper forums often center on the "Standard Employment Contract." As an employer, understanding this contract is crucial. It's important to know both your rights and obligations to prevent disputes or legal issues. Key topics include dealing with job-hopping helpers, arranging their return to their home country, proper procedures for contract termination, and understanding the eligibility and calculation of long service payment and severance pay. Familiarity with these aspects ensures a smooth and compliant employment relationship.

In Hong Kong, insurance options for foreign domestic helpers vary in premiums and coverage, mainly divided into basic and comprehensive plans. Basic plans cover essentials like employee compensation and hospitalization, while comprehensive plans offer additional benefits such as medical and dental coverage. Understanding these options is crucial before purchasing insurance.

If you've been following the news, there have been occasional reports of fatal accidents involving falling from buildings while cleaning windows, with some involving foreign domestic workers. As an employer, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees. There are clear guidelines regarding foreign domestic helpers cleaning windows to safeguard their safety and rights, as detailed below.

In Q&A Vol. 5, we'll discuss about insurance coverage for serious illnesses, including the list of illnesses covered, traditional Chinese Medicine certificates, expense limits, and the implications of concealing medical conditions when applying for insurance.

Employers often seek foreign domestic workers to ease household burdens and provide care for family members. Common tasks include cleaning, cooking, and looking after children or seniors. Some wonder if helpers can also drive, particularly to school. In tight living spaces like in Hong Kong, affording a helper doesn't guarantee extra rooms, prompting questions about living room accommodations.

Designated doctor/Job-hopping/unfinished of policy/overlap of coverage between home insurance and foreign domestic helper insurance

In episode IV, we will share information about designated doctors and medical card arrangements, handling methods for job-hopping on insurance, refunds for unfinished policies, and areas where home insurance overlaps with foreign domestic helper insurance.

In Hong Kong, the Labour Department updates an annual blacklist of employment agencies for foreign domestic workers, helping the public identify agencies issued warnings. With varied agency quality, caution is advised when hiring. We'll share common warnings from the latest 2024 list to highlight associated risks.

In Hong Kong, theft by foreign domestic helpers is a widespread concern, with cases even involving celebrities like Angela Hui. Employers often rely on luck when hiring helpers through agencies, making theft prevention crucial. If theft is suspected, gather evidence discreetly and involve the police. Some insurance policies offer protection against such losses, but conditions vary.