Debt Stress Among Foreign Domestic Helpers: What Employers Can Do to Spot the Signs and Prevent Risks

Two foreign domestic helpers in Shatin and Discovery Bay recently took their own lives, reportedly due to financial stress — a tragic reminder that many helpers in Hong Kong may be silently struggling. With over 370,000 foreign domestic workers supporting local households, their well-being is often overlooked. While employers aren’t expected to act as counsellors, spotting early warning signs and understanding financial pressures can help prevent serious consequences for both the helper and the family.