Domestic Helper’s salary and food allowance

Hong Kong government has mandated for domestic helpers, and employers must adhere to this requirement that for all domestic helper employment contracts signed on or after September 28, 2024, the minimum salary for domestic helpers will be HK$4,990 per month. In addition to this salary, employers are required to provide a food allowance of HK$1,236 per month or supply food at no cost.

Based on our experience, employers may need to offer a higher salary to attract and retain more experienced workers.

Domestic helper’s wages should be paid in full according to the amount specified in your contract, and not later than 7 days after the end of the wage period.

Termination of Contract

Foreign domestic helpers enjoy the same protection under the Employment Ordinance as do local Hong Kong employees. An employer who intends to terminate the employment contract of a helper or helper wishes to end their contract earlier than contract expiry date is required to give the employer or helper one month's prior notice in writing or one month's wages in lieu of notice.

Irrespective of whether the existing contract is expired or early termination, employer is obligated below payments, which include -

· all outstanding wages;

· payment in lieu of any untaken annual leave, and any pro rata annual leave pay for the current leave year;

· payment in lieu of any untaken statutory holidays;

· any other sum due to the helper in respect of the employment contract e.g. free return passage, food and travelling allowance; and

· where appropriate only, long service payment or severance payment.

Accommodation

The domestic helper will receive free food, or, at the employer's discretion, a monthly food allowance is HK$1,236 for the entire duration of the employment contract unless the allowance is changed, as stipulated by the Hong Kong Labour Department.

The domestic helper is only permitted to work and reside at the employer’s residence as outlined in the contract throughout the employment period. The employer is required to provide free accommodation that ensures reasonable privacy.

Compulsory Domestic Helper Insurance

Obtaining insurance for employees is a legal obligation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, which provides foreign domestic helpers with the same benefits as other workers in Hong Kong. These benefits include mandatory coverage for medical expenses, compensation for loss of earning capacity, and compensation for fatalities and funerals. Since accidents can occur in any profession, it's essential to ensure your helper is properly covered. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and up to 2 years in prison for the employer.

Employers are responsible for arranging insurance for their helpers and must bear the full cost without transferring any expenses to the helpers.

Rest day

Domestic helper is entitled to:

· at least 1 rest day in every period of 7 days, 

· statutory holidays; and 

· paid annual leave.

Employers cannot compel you to work during your rest day and holidays or make any form of payment to you in lieu of granting statutory holiday.

Domestic Helper’s Statutory Holidays

Employers must give domestic helpers the day off even if they have been working for less than 3 months. However, legally employers are not required to pay salary for the holiday until after the first 3 months of service.

· The first day of January

· Lunar New Year's Day

· The third day of Lunar New Year

· The fourth day of Lunar New Year

· Ching Ming Festival

· Labour Day

· The Birthday of the Buddha

· Tuen Ng Festival

· Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

· The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

· National Day

· Chung Yeung Festival

· Chinese Winter Solstice Festival or Christmas Day (at the option of the employer)

· The first weekday after Christmas Day*