Recent reports of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) stealing from employers, such as a case in Happy Valley involving over HK$200,000 have raised public concern. These incidents not only cause financial loss but also affect household safety. To help employers prevent such issues, here are some simple risk-reduction tips and guidance on what to do if theft happens.

Recently, the Immigration Department arrested 43 people in an operation targeting illegal workers, including 7 current foreign domestic helpers and 8 employers. Some helpers were caught secretly working in restaurants washing dishes during their free time, such as when buying groceries. In some cases, employers even arranged for their helpers to work in restaurants they owned. These actions are not only illegal, they can also create legal problems for employers and may affect insurance protection.

In Part 1, we shared tips to prevent high-risk incidents for foreign domestic helpers. This time, we focus on other common risks, including muscle strain, falls, cuts, burns, and stress, along with their prevention methods.

The law in HK requires employers to cover their foreign domestic helper’s medical expenses. Basic employee compensation insurance often excludes Clinical/Medical Expenses, which are among the most common claims. Many employers opt for comprehensive insurance plans with broader coverage. However, insurance alone isn’t enough and providing a safe working environment is also important.