Employer's immigration and foreign domestic helper contract arrangements
If an employer is planning to move abroad but has an existing contract with a foreign domestic helper (FDH) that has not yet concluded, how should the employer handle the situation? Should they terminate the contract, transfer it to a family member, find someone else to take over, or consider relocating with the FDH? Depending on the circumstances, employers need to consider the following arrangements.
Smart Renewal Service - Online visa applications for foreign domestic helpers
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.
Are there limits on the working hours of foreign domestic helpers?
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?
Understanding the regulations for foreign domestic helpers' holidays
Foreign domestic helpers come to Hong Kong from their hometowns to work and earn a living. As an employer, it is essential to provide them with holidays in accordance with the Employment Ordinance. Apart from safeguarding the physical health of domestic helpers, adequate rest is also beneficial for their mental well-being. Allowing them time off enables them to explore, connect with fellow compatriots, alleviate homesickness, and recharge for future work. Understanding and appropriately scheduling foreign domestic helpers' holidays are crucial to prevent work-related stress from accumulating. Failure to grant holidays may result in legal violations and fines for employers. It is important to familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations regarding domestic helpers' time off.
Understanding Foreign Domestic Helper Insurance: Work Arrangements During Typhoon and Insurance Commencement Day
Every year in Hong Kong, there are typhoons, and there may even be Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, granting everyone a day off. What if Typhoon Signal No. 8 coincides with the rest day of your foreign domestic helper (FDH)? Additionally, when exactly does the insurance coverage for FDHs commence?
Foreign domestic workers causing damage in public places: Is the employer responsible?
There was news about a child accompanied by family members accidentally knocked over a valuable figure worth tens of thousands of dollars while browsing a toy store. The figure immediately fell and was damaged. As a result, the store staff claimed that the child had kicked it and demanded compensation. The parents promptly accepted responsibility and provided compensation. However, later it was discovered through online videos that the facts were not as stated by the staff, leading to a controversy. If we change the scenario to a foreign domestic worker employed by you instead of the child, as the employer, would you be responsible for the actions of the domestic worker?
Pregnancy and Maternity Leave Arrangements for Foreign Domestic Helper
There was a Facebook post on a online media shared a news about a female employer taking her pregnant foreign domestic helper to a clinic and threatening immediate termination if she did not have an abortion. This incident has generated a lot of debate, with most comments expressing empathy while others suggested terminating the contract. So, what are the rules surrounding the employment of a pregnant foreign domestic helper and what should employers be aware of?
Restrictions on the scope of work of foreign domestic helpers
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.
Termination of Foreign Domestic Helper Contracts with Salary & Insurance Arrangements
Dealing with the termination of a Foreign Domestic Helper(FDH) contract in Hong Kong is not as straightforward as hiring one. Employers must adhere to various regulations outlined in the "Standard Employment Contract." Below, we outline the scenarios for terminating a FDH contract, and its salary and insurance arrangements.
Can I “buy” the paid holiday from the foreign domestic helpers?
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?
Minimum wage and food allowance adjustment for foreign domestic helpers(September 2023)
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.
Foreign Domestic Helper falls seriously ill right after arrival! Is the employer required to take responsibility?
Last year, there was a news reporting "Filipino Domestic Helper Falls Seriously Ill Right After Arrival! Employer Pays for ICU Treatment, Medical Costs Totaling...". The story highlights a Filipino domestic helper who, shortly after arriving in Singapore, felt unwell on her almost immediately. She eventually had to stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 27 days, and medical examinations revealed she suffered from renal failure and pulmonary tuberculosis. Fortunately, her condition stabilized, and she was able to return home for further treatment via a medical charter flight. However, the total cost of her 27-day treatment and the medical flight amounted to nearly HK$930,000. Fortunately, her employer, generously covered these expenses and even provided emergency funds to the helper's family. Have you ever wondered what would happen if a similar situation occurred in Hong Kong?
Minimum Wage, Meal Allowance, and Maternity Leave Arrangements for Foreign Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong
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.
Q&A: "Job-hopping" among foreign domestic helper
There are many discussions on the Internet that complaining about foreign domestic helpers "job-hopping”. This article would like to share some basic information about what, why, how regarding "job-hopping" among foreign domestic helper(FDH).