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
Labour Department launched a “Thankful Week for Families with Foreign Domestic Helpers”
The Labour Department (LD) launched a “Thankful Week for Families with Foreign Domestic Helpers” (FDHs) to promote mutual respect and harmonious relationships between FDHs and their employers. FDHs and employers of each family are invited to jointly record a short video clip of 20 to 30 seconds to express gratitude and appreciation for each other, and to share tips on building a harmonious relationship with mutual respect and care. They can submit the short video clip links to LD's event webpage till 11 June 2023. LD will give out 12 000 Ocean Park admission tickets to 3 000 participating households. Please click here for details.
Labour Department to hold briefing on employment of foreign domestic helpers
The Labour Department will hold a briefing on the employment of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) on 28 June 2023 (Wednesday) at 2:45 pm at the Lecture Theatre of the Hong Kong Central Library. The employment rights and obligations of employers of FDHs will be introduced. A representative from the Equal Opportunities Commission is also invited to share the best practices on how to create an inclusive workplace for FDHs. The briefing will be conducted in Cantonese and admission is free. Employers of FDHs are welcome to attend. 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
