Types of Foreign Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong

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.

Distribution of Foreign Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong

According to the Immigration Department's statistics, by the end of 2023, there were 356,231 foreign domestic helpers working in Hong Kong, an increase of 5.3% compared to 2022. Around 56% were from the Philippines, and over 41.4% were from Indonesia. The rest were from other countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

Differences Between Foreign Domestic Helpers from Various Countries

Filipino Helpers

Filipino helpers typically have a higher level of education, with English being one of their official languages. Many have college or university degrees. Based on our interactions with employers, Filipino helpers are generally considered smart, outgoing, and confident, though they may have strong opinions, which can lead to more friction with employers. Communication is generally easier with them, and they tend to have experience cooking Western dishes. Since most Filipinos are Catholic, they usually request Sundays off.

Indonesian Helpers

Indonesian helpers generally have a high school education, so their English may not be as good as Filipino helpers. Employers should be prepared to spend more time training and adapting to them, especially if it’s their first time working in Hong Kong. Indonesian helpers are usually more obedient but passive, and they don't speak fluent English. They tend to be willing to learn Cantonese. Most Indonesians are Muslim, so they don’t eat pork, and they observe Ramadan every year. Employers often say Indonesian helpers are hardworking and more willing to take care of babies at night.

Thai Helpers

According to Hong Kong Employment Association Chairman Chan Tung-fung, helpers from Thailand are generally willing to learn Cantonese, and many have a basic understanding of Chinese culture. They are more inclined to care for the elderly. Unfortunately, the supply of Thai helpers has decreased significantly in recent years, and most of those still working in Hong Kong have long-term employers, making them hard to find in the market.

Cambodian Helpers

Due to the government policy in recent years, there are now around 500 Cambodian helpers in Hong Kong, making them a small minority. Since Cambodia is a Buddhist country, they don’t have the religious restrictions of Indonesian Muslims. However, some employers have noted that Cambodian helpers may be more self-centered and may not have the same emotional resilience as Filipino helpers.

Sri Lankan Helpers

Sri Lankan helpers have been working in Hong Kong for over 10 years, with more than 1,000 currently employed. They generally speak English, though they might have an accent.

Kenyan Helpers

There are a few Kenyan helpers in Hong Kong. Since Kenya was once a British colony, most of them can speak English. Employers have noted that they tend to be more obedient, but their numbers are very limited.

Conclusion

If you have the chance to hire a foreign domestic helper from a country other than the Philippines or Indonesia, it might be worth considering. However, when hiring a foreign domestic helper, remember to get the helper covered by insurance as required by law. There are many types of domestic helper insurance in Hong Kong, with varying premiums and coverage options. Basic plans cover things like labor insurance, hospitalization, surgery, repatriation, personal accidents, and public liability. Comprehensive plans offer extra coverage, such as clinical/medical expenses, dental care, fidelity coverage, re-hiring costs, hospital cash allowances, and loan repayment protection. Since Hong Kong's standard employment contract requires employers to cover medical expenses for helpers, it’s advisable to choose a comprehensive plan.

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The information provided in this article is for general reference only and should not be considered as any form of advice. Our company assumes no responsibility for its use