Before hiring a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong, it's important to evaluate your financial capacity, accommodation arrangements, and understand the characteristics of helpers from different nationalities. Filipino and Indonesian helpers are the primary sources of domestic workers in the city. While this comparison provides general insights, it's essential to recognize that the quality of service largely depends on the helper's individual personality, attitude, and experience, rather than their nationality.

The Labour Department announced the statutory holidays for 2025 in early May. It is important to note that statutory holidays are different from public holidays in Hong Kong, as there are fewer statutory holidays than public holidays. The holidays for foreign domestic helpers are arranged according to statutory holidays. This article not only shares the dates of the statutory holidays in 2025 but also provides important notes for employers and foreign domestic helpers to carefully plan their holiday schedules for 2025!

There was an incident involving the sudden death of a foreign domestic helper at home has prompted an investigation few months ago. Representatives from the Immigration Department and the Labour Department participated in the inquiry, point out some information related to the working hours of foreign domestic helpers. Is there a limit to the working hours for domestic helpers, and what are the consequences for abusive employers?

According to the Employment Ordinance, foreign domestic helpers(FDHs) are entitled to rest days, statutory holidays, and paid annual leave, among other benefits. Employers should discuss arrangements with their FDHs , such as whether rest days are fixed or flexible, as soon as possible after their arrival or even during the interview. Employers usually hire FDHs for tasks like housework, childcare, or elderly care. Sometimes, there may be a need for their services on the FDH’s rest day. Can employers request to compensate them with wages in lieu of the leave day, in addition to requesting leave changes? And, would such arrangements violate the Employment Ordinance or the employment contract?

With a wide variety of foreign domestic helper(FDH) insurance options available in the market, employers may wonder how to choose the right insurance for their needs. When selecting FDH insurance, employers should consider the following factors.