Recently, a notable incident occurred in Hong Kong: a newly arrived Filipino foreign domestic helper was diagnosed with leprosy, highlighting the importance of health checks and insurance for foreign domestic helpers. This article will discuss the incident, government requirements, and the significance of insurance for foreign domestic helpers.

The "Standard Employment Contract" outlines specific terms, but many Hong Kong employers often struggle to match clauses to situations. As a result, social media forums for foreign domestic helpers frequently feature scenario-based questions. In Volume 2, we cover these common topics: minimum wage, food allowance, privacy, medical expenses, buying holidays, and borrowing money. Understanding these beforehand can be very helpful.

There was a Facebook discussion group for foreign domestic helpers, a prospective employer asked whether it would be acceptable if a helper stated a need to stay outside during their time off. At the same time, the helper's agency claimed that it was legal. Are these statements correct?

Online discussions in foreign domestic helper forums often center on the "Standard Employment Contract." As an employer, understanding this contract is crucial. It's important to know both your rights and obligations to prevent disputes or legal issues. Key topics include dealing with job-hopping helpers, arranging their return to their home country, proper procedures for contract termination, and understanding the eligibility and calculation of long service payment and severance pay. Familiarity with these aspects ensures a smooth and compliant employment relationship.

The Labour Department announced the statutory holidays for 2025 in early May. It is important to note that statutory holidays are different from public holidays in Hong Kong, as there are fewer statutory holidays than public holidays. The holidays for foreign domestic helpers are arranged according to statutory holidays. This article not only shares the dates of the statutory holidays in 2025 but also provides important notes for employers and foreign domestic helpers to carefully plan their holiday schedules for 2025!

Foreign domestic helpers are just like any other individuals, prone to making mistakes. Therefore, when a foreign domestic helper accidentally damages or breaks an item at home, it's essential to consider forgiveness rather than resorting to immediate blame, withholding wages, or imposing fines. If the decision is made to withhold wages as a form of warning, there are legal limits to adhere to. Below, we'll share relevant information and regulations regarding this matter.

In Hong Kong, insurance options for foreign domestic helpers vary in premiums and coverage, mainly divided into basic and comprehensive plans. Basic plans cover essentials like employee compensation and hospitalization, while comprehensive plans offer additional benefits such as medical and dental coverage. Understanding these options is crucial before purchasing insurance.

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.

In Q&A Vol. 5, we'll discuss about insurance coverage for serious illnesses, including the list of illnesses covered, traditional Chinese Medicine certificates, expense limits, and the implications of concealing medical conditions when applying for insurance.

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.

Designated doctor/Job-hopping/unfinished of policy/overlap of coverage between home insurance and foreign domestic helper insurance

In episode IV, we will share information about designated doctors and medical card arrangements, handling methods for job-hopping on insurance, refunds for unfinished policies, and areas where home insurance overlaps with foreign domestic helper insurance.

In Hong Kong, the Labour Department updates an annual blacklist of employment agencies for foreign domestic workers, helping the public identify agencies issued warnings. With varied agency quality, caution is advised when hiring. We'll share common warnings from the latest 2024 list to highlight associated risks.

In Hong Kong, theft by foreign domestic helpers is a widespread concern, with cases even involving celebrities like Angela Hui. Employers often rely on luck when hiring helpers through agencies, making theft prevention crucial. If theft is suspected, gather evidence discreetly and involve the police. Some insurance policies offer protection against such losses, but conditions vary.

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?

Topic about Coverage, Costs, Third-Party Liability & Dental Expenses

Hong Kong people are very busy, and many families have both parents working. Not everyone has the luxury of extended family support for childcare or the time and energy to cook and clean after work. As a result, many opt to solve these issues by hiring a foreign domestic helper(FDH). Securing a comprehensive foreign domestic helper insurance not only safeguards the helper but also protects the employer's wallet. Below are common questions and answers regarding foreign domestic helper insurance.

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!