WELCOME MESSAGE
This portal provides information relating to employment of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong, including the policy on importation of FDHs, as well as the publication and publicity materials on the rights and obligations of FDHs and their employers under the labour laws and the Standard Employment Contract for hiring FDHs. Both FDHs and their employers are encouraged to read the information in this website as well as the relevant materials before entering into a contract, or during the course of employment.
While it is not a requirement by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government that employers must recruit FDHs through, or FDHs to obtain employment from, employment agencies (EAs), it is a very common channel through which Hong Kong people employ FDHs. Respective home countries of FDHs may also have such requirement and they vary across countries. FDHs and employers are also encouraged to read the "Engaging an employment agency" section for the points to note when using the service of EAs. They may also use the search engine in the page for identifying EA(s) with valid licence in Hong Kong.
For matters relating to the eligibility criteria and procedures for applying for employment of FDHs, please visit the website of the Immigration Department.
WHAT'S NEW
IMPORTANT MESSAGES
Increase in Minimum Allowable Wage and food allowance for foreign domestic helpers
The Government announced today (September 29) that the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong will be increased by 3 per cent, from $4,730 to $4,870 per month.
Please click here for details.
Labour Department highly concerned about the safety of foreign domestic helpers when cleaning outward-facing windows
The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about the fatal accident that happened earlier on when a foreign domestic helper (FDH) was cleaning an outward-facing window. LD reminds employers that the following two conditions must be complied with before requiring an FDH to clean the outside of any window which is not located on the ground level or adjacent to a balcony (on which it must be reasonably safe for the helper to work) or common corridor:
1. the window being cleaned is fitted with a grille which is locked or secured in a manner that prevents the grille from being opened; and
2. no part of the FDH’s body extends beyond the window ledge except the arms.
The above requirement is clearly stated in the Standard Employment Contract for FDHs which should be complied with by employers and FDHs. If an employer requests an FDH to clean outward-facing windows in breach of the contract, the FDH should refuse such request. FDHs can also seek assistance from LD through the dedicated FDH hotline at 2157 9537.
LD appeals to any member of the public who has witnessed an FDH performing duties in an unsafe situation (e.g. work or stand at height without safety support) or in face of immediate danger to report the matter to the Police immediately.
Increase of Statutory Holidays
Starting from 2022, the Birthday of the Buddha has been a newly added statutory holiday under the Employment Ordinance. For details, please visit: https://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/EAO2021.htm
