Many families in Hong Kong need to renew their foreign domestic helper’s contract every two years. To save agency fees, some employers choose to handle the renewal process themselves. However, the procedures can be quite different depending on the helper’s nationality. Missing an important step may affect your helper’s legal right to stay and work in Hong Kong. In this article, we explain the key points employers should pay attention to when renewing a foreign domestic helper’s contract.

Around 40% of Hong Kong’s foreign domestic helpers are from Indonesia, where over 80% of the population is Muslim. Every year, Muslims observe Ramadan, a month of fasting. Many Indonesian helpers in Hong Kong continue to observe Ramadan while working here. Employers should respect their helper's religious practices. This article provides background information and explains what employers need to know about their helper’s daily routine and practices during this time.

Before hiring a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong, it's important to evaluate your financial capacity, accommodation arrangements, and understand the characteristics of helpers from different nationalities. Filipino and Indonesian helpers are the primary sources of domestic workers in the city. While this comparison provides general insights, it's essential to recognize that the quality of service largely depends on the helper's individual personality, attitude, and experience, rather than their nationality.