When a Foreign Domestic Helper Passes Away in Hong Kong: What Employers Must Know

A recent major fire in Hong Kong caused multiple deaths and injuries, including foreign domestic helpers from the Philippines and Indonesia. Such events are heartbreaking. Helpers come to Hong Kong to work far from home, and a serious accident affects both their families and the employer. When a helper passes away in Hong Kong, employers must understand their legal responsibilities, the required procedures, and which authorities must be notified. This article explains the key steps to help employers handle the situation properly during a very difficult time.

Employer’s Legal Responsibilities When a Helper Passes Away

Under the Standard Employment Contract, if a helper passes away during the employment period, the employer must arrange and pay for the reasonable cost of repatriating the remains back to the helper’s home country. This requirement applies regardless of whether the employer has purchased domestic helper insurance.

Employers may also need to handle several administrative tasks, such as preparing documents for government departments or providing information to the helper’s family or consulate. Required documents may include the employment contract, copies of the helper’s passport, and proof of employment, so employers should keep these records properly.

Who Should Be Notified After the Incident?

If the foreign domestic helper passes away due to illness or an accident, employers usually need to follow these steps:

1. Report to the Police

The police will investigate the case and arrange any necessary coroner procedures. Employers must provide employment information when requested.

2. Notify the Helper’s Consulate

The consulate will contact the family and help arrange repatriation and related matters.

3. Notify the Labour Department and Immigration Department

These departments will update employment records, handle the helper’s identification documents, and request any required paperwork.

4. Notify the Insurance Company (if domestic helper insurance was purchased)

Submit the required documents as soon as possible, such as the death certificate, police report, and employment contract, so the insurer can process compensation or reimbursement.

5. Notify the Employment Agency (if applicable)

The agency may help communicate with the family, translate documents, or advise on remaining contract matters.

How Domestic Helper Insurance Provides Support in Death-Related Cases

Although employers must cover certain mandatory costs, most domestic helper insurance plans provide several types of support:

1. Repatriation Expenses

Many insurance plans cover the cost of sending the helper’s remains back to their home country, reducing the employer’s financial burden.

2. Personal Accident Benefit

If the helper dies due to an accident, the insurance company will pay compensation to the helper’s family. This benefit is for the helper’s dependents, not for the employer.

Some Plans Include “Service Interruption Allowance”

A small number of insurance plans offer a cash allowance when a helper cannot continue working due to accidental death or permanent disability. This allowance helps employers manage temporary household arrangements. Since not all policies include this benefit, employers should review their existing coverage.

How Employers Can Prepare in Daily Practice

While no one wishes for such incidents, employers can take simple steps to stay prepared:

l   Keep employment documents and insurance policies properly.

l   Understand what your helper insurance actually covers.

l   Maintain good communication with your helper about work, health and emergency arrangements.

l   If an unexpected incident occurs, follow legal procedures and notify the required departments promptly.

Conclusion

Serious accidents are always distressing. They also remind employers of the responsibilities involved when hiring a domestic helper. Although the procedures and legal requirements can be complex, having domestic helper insurance can provide practical support when emergencies happen. Most importantly, maintaining respect, clear communication and proper management in daily life helps build a safer and more stable working relationship for both sides.

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The information provided in this article is for general reference only and should not be considered as any form of advice. Our company assumes no responsibility for its use