If you've been following the news, there have been occasional reports of fatal accidents involving falling from buildings while cleaning windows, with some involving foreign domestic workers. As an employer, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees. There are clear guidelines regarding foreign domestic helpers cleaning windows to safeguard their safety and rights, as detailed below.

Employers often seek foreign domestic workers to ease household burdens and provide care for family members. Common tasks include cleaning, cooking, and looking after children or seniors. Some wonder if helpers can also drive, particularly to school. In tight living spaces like in Hong Kong, affording a helper doesn't guarantee extra rooms, prompting questions about living room accommodations.

Foreign domestic helper insurance may seem straightforward, but there are many details that could be missed if not careful. It's only when you really need to make a claim that you might discover it's not covered, leaving you in a difficult situation. In the Vol. 3 of our Q&A series about foreign domestic helper insurance, we'll share information about the reimbursement limits and total caps for clinical expenses, the correct policyholder, policy effective/waiting periods, and job-hopping protection.

When reading articles about foreign domestic helpers, the term "standard employment contract" is frequently mentioned. What exactly does the standard employment contract entail and what clauses should be noted? The following article will provide a brief overview.

Questions about foreign domestic helper insurance are numerous every day. Therefore, we have launched a new series - "foreign domestic helpers insurance Q&A," compiling questions related to insurance for foreign domestic helpers. The content of the second episode includes outpatient, inpatient, and surgical expenses, loyalty assurance, exclusions, and how to claim.

If you browse various foreign domestic helper discussion forums or social media groups, you will find numerous complaints about the work performance and attitude of foreign domestic helpers. While there are many FDHs who perform well, grievances are usually shared only when unpleasant incidents occur. If a mistake occurs for the first time, it is advisable to communicate politely and give the FDH a chance to improve. However, can employers issue a Warning Letter to FDH and even terminate their employment immediately?

Hong Kong people love to travel, but in the past two years, due to the raging pandemic, most countries have implemented entry restrictions or even banned entry. Now the restrictions are all gone, it's time to start planning trips again! If you have a foreign domestic helper at home, some employers may invite them to travel. Does the foreign domestic helper insurance cover their travel? What else should be considered?

In part 1, we covered the notice period for foreign domestic helpers, arrangements for termination payments, and their calculation methods. In part 2, we will also discuss long-service payments or severance payments and their respective formulas. Visit our blog for more details!

In a previous article, we shared the arrangements for terminating contracts with foreign domestic helpers, along with details about other salary and insurance arrangements. However, we did not elaborate on the qualification criteria and calculation methods for end-of-contract, termination, or payment in lieu of notice, as well as the calculation of long-service payment. The question arises: do foreign domestic helpers qualify for long-service payment if they resign? In this two-part series, we will introduce relevant information and methods.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.