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All foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong should be paid not less than the Minimum Allowable Wage of HKD4,630. For each month, the employers should let the helpers sign for the receipt of wages and rest days.
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The helper is NOT allowed to work for another person other than the employer named in her visa. She is also NOT allowed to perform non-domestic duties. The helper should work and reside in her employer’s residence.
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The employment contract is of two-year basis. There is no probation period for foreign domestic helpers.
- Before the employment contract expires, either employer or helper may terminate the contract by giving not less than one month’s notice in writing or by paying one month’s wages to the other party.
- In accordance with Clause 7 of the employment contract, the employer should provide the helper with free return passage to her place of origin on termination or expiry of the contract.
- The employer should provide the helper with suitable accommodation and the employer should agree with the helper whether food will be provided during employment. If it is provided, it must be free of charge. If no food is provided, a food allowance of not less than HKD1121.00 should be given to the helper each month.
- The employer should provide the helper at least one rest day in every period of seven days. The helper is entitled to paid annual leave after serving every period of 12 months with the same employer. For the first employment contract, the helper is entitled 14 days paid annual leave. If the helper has been employed continuously by the employer for three months, she is entitled to the statutory holiday pay. There are 12 statutory holidays in a year.
- To protect the employer against legal liability under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (Chapter 282) if the helper suffers injury by accident or occupational disease, the employer can purchase an insurance scheme for the helper. In the event that the helper is ill, the employer should provide free medical treatment to the helper.
- The employer should pay long service payment to the helper if she has worked continuously for not less than five years and is dismissed or the contract is not being renewed. The computation is as follows:
[Monthly wages x 2/3 ] x years of service. - If the employer renews the contract with the helper, he should provide the round trip air ticket to the helper.
- The helpers normally come from tropical region. They might not have enough clothes for Hong Kong winter. Hope the employers can give them some assistance.
- The helpers need to eat rice so that they will have enough energy to do work. Hope the employers can be considerate of their basic needs.
- In the first month when the helpers just arrive at Hong Kong, they might not have any Hong Kong dollars for their transportation and personal purchase on their rest days. It is suggested that the employers can give them HKD200.00 in advance and deduct afterwards when they receive their first month salary.
Advices:
