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.

If you have ever passed by the Wan Chai Immigration Tower, you would notice a large group of foreign domestic helpers(FDHs) waiting and lining up. The reason they are there is to apply for extension of their work visa. Instead of having a long queue, it's better to try the latest online visa application service, known as "Smart Renewal," allowing you to apply from the comfort of your home.

This article begins by discussing the scope of work for FDHs and shares the regulations that employers must comply with. Since FDHs need approval from the Immigration Department and the issuance of a work visa to work in Hong Kong, employers must also comply with the "Immigration Ordinance" and the conditions specified in the work visa. Employers must be aware of the content of these regulations, as failure to do so may result in charges for aiding or abetting FDHs in violating their visa conditions, leading to potential prosecution.

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?

Every year around September, the government announces adjustments to the minimum wages and food allowance for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong. This year's adjustments have been made public, with both items being increased for the second consecutive year. Let's take a closer look at the increases and the effective date.

The first part we have discussed that conducting surveillance on foreign domestic helpers(FDHs) is not as straightforward as one might think. This is because FDHs are also protected by the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. Therefore, the Labour Department recommends a series of methods to be attempted before resorting to surveillance in order to safeguard the privacy of FDHs and establish a trusting employment relationship.

Many employers who hire foreign domestic helpers(FDHs) not only to share the duties of housework and cooking but also to assist in taking care of children or elderly family members. They may consider installing surveillance cameras at home to observe and monitor the working performance of FDHs. Employers conducting surveillance on their employees at home are subject to legal regulation, which may involve the collection of personal data under The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. According to this ordinance, if the identity and personal data of employees in the workplace have been determined, employers must adhere to the requirements of the six data protection principles under the Privacy Ordinance.

When hiring foreign domestic helpers(FDHs) in Hong Kong, employers are required to adhere to a series of regulations set by the government in the "Standard Employment Contract." Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines or even imprisonment for employers. Therefore, prospective employers should pay close attention. This article will share information about the minimum wage, meal allowance, and maternity leave arrangements for foreign domestic helpers.

There is a trend among HK employers of hiring foreign domestic helpers(FDH) directly recent years, but many potential employers are still preferring to use the services of FDH employment agencies due to their limited time and inexperience. There are over 1,400 licensed employment agencies providing FDH services in Hong Kong, the service fees ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. The quality of service among these agencies varies, so how should employers select a right agency?