Recently, a Hong Kong employer shared their experience of hiring a foreign domestic helper who, after working for about a month, requested to return to the Philippines due to family issues. The helper claimed they would return later to continue working. The employer agreed and covered the airfare, only for the helper to go missing upon arrival in the Philippines. Later, the employment agency informed the employer that the airfare was their responsibility, leading to confusion and heated discussions. We have analyzed this situation to help employers understand their legal responsibilities, resignation procedures, and protection strategies.

Managing the health and medical needs of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) is a significant responsibility for employers in Hong Kong. This article compiles insights and advice from various cases and scenarios, covering topics such as medical coverage, vaccination, and responsibilities for health-related expenses. Each topic includes links to the original articles for further reading.

Many Hong Kong families hire foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to help care for children or the elderly. Since helpers have close contact with family members, their health and safety are very important. Vaccination schedules differ from country to country, and while FDHs are required to undergo medical exams before arriving in Hong Kong, employers can take extra steps to protect their families. Here's some important information about measles vaccines for FDHs.

A foreign domestic helper was fired after being diagnosed with cancer, sparking public concern. The employer opposed her chemotherapy, demanded she work during sick leave, and eventually terminated her. This raises ethical and legal issues, potentially violating the Employment Ordinance and Disability Discrimination Ordinance. Employers must understand their legal responsibilities to protect workers' rights and avoid legal risks.

This week’s FAQs address common questions about foreign domestic helpers, including probation periods, theft, dental expenses, travel medical coverage, and MPF contributions.

As the holiday season approaches, many people are planning trips abroad. Some employers wonder about the visa requirements for bringing their foreign domestic helpers on vacation. This guide covers the visa requirements for popular destinations and important things to note when traveling with your helper.

There are many FDH insurance options available in the market, including basic and comprehensive plans, each with different terms and coverage. Basic plans typically cover minor illnesses, but what about critical illnesses like cancer or heart disease? Will the insurance provide enough protection, or could these conditions be excluded? To answer this, employers need to check the policy’s exclusions carefully.

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.