Foreign Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong - Employment Regulations

Employment Regulations

The Hong Kong government has drawn up rules and regulations specifically regarding the employment, labour, and condition of stay of foreign domestic helpers. An employer and an employee are required to enter into a two-year standard contract specifically for the employment of foreign domestic helpers. A few notable regulations regarding the employment of foreign domestic helpers include:

Employers' requirements and obligations

• a household income of at least HK$15,000 per month for each foreign domestic helper employed;
• a levy of HK$9,600 for employing a foreign domestic helper, for the duration of a 2-year contract;
• provide free medical treatment for the foreign domestic helper;
• payment of a monthly salary of no less than the minimum allowable wage set by the government.

Helpers' rights and obligations

• required to only perform the domestic duties outlined in the employment contract.
• not allowed or required to take up any other employment with any other employer during the effective period of the contract;
• required to work and live in the employer's place of residence, and to be provided with suitable living accommodation with reasonable privacy;
• entitled to one "rest day" every week, with the rest day being a continuous period of not less than 24 hours.