In Part 1, we shared tips to prevent high-risk incidents for foreign domestic helpers. This time, we focus on other common risks, including muscle strain, falls, cuts, burns, and stress, along with their prevention methods.

The law in HK requires employers to cover their foreign domestic helper’s medical expenses. Basic employee compensation insurance often excludes Clinical/Medical Expenses, which are among the most common claims. Many employers opt for comprehensive insurance plans with broader coverage. However, insurance alone isn’t enough and providing a safe working environment is also important.

Around 40% of Hong Kong’s foreign domestic helpers are from Indonesia, where over 80% of the population is Muslim. Every year, Muslims observe Ramadan, a month of fasting. Many Indonesian helpers in Hong Kong continue to observe Ramadan while working here. Employers should respect their helper's religious practices. This article provides background information and explains what employers need to know about their helper’s daily routine and practices during this time.

When hiring a Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) in Hong Kong, employers must meet certain government requirements. What are these requirements? If employers wish to apply for an FDH themselves, how can they do it? Before making a decision, employers should consider if hiring a local helper might better suit their needs. This article provides simple answers to these three questions.

In the Part 1, we talked about the importance of interviewing a foreign domestic helper and shared two key points with examples of interview questions. In this part, we’ll continue with seven more important points to help you effectively interview and find the right helper.

In a previous article, we talked about how employers should prepare to interview a foreign domestic helper. It's important to have good questions ready because the Consumer Council says many helpers' resumes don't match their real experience. The interview is the only chance to check this, so asking the right questions is key. Below are key points and sample questions for the interview.

Foreign domestic helpers from Philippines and Indonesia make up the largest proportion of foreign helpers in Hong Kong, but there are also helpers from other countries. Many employers may not realize that, apart from Filipino and Indonesian helpers, they can also hire helpers from other countries. This article will introduce the other countries from which foreign domestic helpers can work in Hong Kong, and explain the differences between them.

Hiring a foreign domestic helper involves meeting certain government requirements and comply with the terms of the standard employment contract specifically designed to protect the helper's rights. Employers must prepare relevant documents to meet these requirements before hiring. The employers should also consider their specific needs and requirements, which can be used during the interview to evaluate if the helper is the right fit.

It's not uncommon to see employers on online forums asking for advice when their foreign domestic helper goes missing. They worry about the helper's safety and fear the helper might have "job-hopped." So, what can you do if your foreign domestic helper disappears? This article shares some useful tips.

Hiring a reliable foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong can be challenging, with common issues like unmet expectations, early resignations, or "job-hopping" for better opportunities. Many employers feel inadequately protected. To address this, California Insurance offers a "Re-Hiring Expenses Cover" in its CaliGive domestic helper insurance plan, covering the costs of hiring a new helper if the original one resigns or is dismissed shortly. Here's a recent successful claim example.

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.