Since the pandemic, I have noticed an increasing number of cases involving foreign domestic helpers who suddenly disappear because of debt problems. From the employer’s perspective, such sudden disappearances not only disrupt daily routines but also cause considerable distress, especially when debt issues lead to harassment. Based on my experience, I would like to share some practical advice for employers on how to handle situations where a domestic helper goes missing due to

When a foreign domestic helper has worked for the same employer for five consecutive years, they become eligible for Long Service Payment (LSP) under Hong Kong labour law. The basic calculation for LSP can be expressed by the following formula: Final month’s wage × 2/3 × Years of service = Long Service Payment (subject to a maximum limit of HKD 390,000) It is important to note that not all terminations require the payment of Long Service Payment. Completing five years of ser

Foreign domestic helpers working in Hong Kong are protected by the statutory Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) set by the Hong Kong Government from time to time. Compared with other regions that employ foreign domestic workers, Hong Kong offers a relatively competitive salary and employment benefits, which have consistently attracted workers from the Philippines and Indonesia over the years. When reviewing the MAW, the Government takes into consideration several factors, including

To address this question, two key factors must first be considered. The first is whether the employer’s household regularly prepares three meals a day or tends to dine out frequently. The second concerns the domestic helper’s religious beliefs, which may influence whether providing a food allowance is a simpler and more suitable arrangement. From the perspective of the standard employment contract, employers are required to provide their foreign domestic helpers with “adequat

For employers hiring a foreign domestic helper for the first time, I’ve noticed many often forget or are unaware that they must purchase employee compensation insurance for their helper. Employee compensation insurance is required under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282 of the Laws of Hong Kong) . It ensures that employers bear legal responsibility for their employees and that workers are financially protected in the event of work-related accidents. Non-complian