Foreign Domestic Helpers (FDHs)

For the past three decades, full-time, live-in domestic helpers from overseas countries have been allowed to work in Hong Kong to cater for local demand.

FDHs' conditions of employment and stay in Hong Kong are clearly specified in the standard employment contract, and kept under regular review to guard against abuses. The standard employment contract for FDHs is available for collection in the Information Office of the Immigration Department on 2nd Floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

To provide a quick reference on the rights and obligations of employers and FDHs, the Labour Department has issued a "Practical Guide for Employment of Foreign Domestic Helpers - What foreign domestic helpers and their employers should know" (PDF), covering answers to some of the common questions raised by the FDHs and their employers.

In addition to protection offered by labour legislations, FDHs enjoy additional protection, such as free medical treatment by employers, as set out in the standard employment contract. There are well-published and long-established channels to settle disputes between FDHs and their employers. These include the Labour Department, the Labour Tribunal and the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board. To protect employers (and the labour market generally), FDHs are not allowed to take up part-time or unauthorized work.

Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW)
The Administration regularly reviews the MAW for FDHs. Employers must pay FDHs a salary that is not less than the prevailing MAW at the time of signing the contract. This safeguards FDHs against exploitation on the one hand, and protects local workers from cheap overseas competition on the other hand. In the light of the general economic and employment situation in Hong Kong, the Administration has decided that, with effect from 10 July 2008, the MAW for FDHs should be increased by $100 from $3,480 to $3,580 per month. The new MAW applies to employment contracts signed on or after 10 July 2008.

Employment of FDHs
The Immigration Department has issued a "Guidebook for Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad", covering the eligibility criteria, application procedures and points to note for persons who wish to employ FDHs. For frequently asked questions about the procedures concerning the application to employ FDHs, please visit the website of the Immigration Department.

Suspension of Collection of Levy
With effect from 1 August 2008, the government suspends the obligation on employers of all imported labour, including FDHs to pay the Levy for a period of two years.For the announcement of levy suspension, please visit the GovHK.

For FAQs on levy suspension, please click here.

For FAQs on contractual and statutory entitlements of FDHs, please click here.