For Employers
Eligibility for Hiring Foreign Domestic Helpers
- Have sufficient financial means to employ a domestic helper. Generally speaking, for each domestic helper employed, the employer’s household income must be at least $15,000 per month, or the employer must possess assets of a comparable value sufficient to cover the employment of that domestic helper for the entire duration of the contract;
- Both the employer and the employee must sign the "Standard Employment Contract (ID407)" provided by the Immigration Department;
- Domestic helpers may only perform the household duties specified in the standard employment contract;
- Domestic helpers are not permitted to engage in employment for others during their stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
- Employers must undertake to pay their domestic helpers a salary of no less than the statutory minimum wage of HK$5,100 as published by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. If meals are not provided to the domestic helper, the agreed meal allowance must not be less than HK$1,236 per month;
- Domestic helpers must work and reside at the employer’s residence as specified in the standard employment contract;
- Employers must provide domestic helpers with suitable accommodation that offers reasonable privacy;
- There is no doubt as to the true purpose of the employment relationship between employers and domestic helpers;
- Neither the employer nor the domestic helper has a criminal record;
- Employers must be Hong Kong Special Administrative Region residents who are genuinely resident in Hong Kong
Rest Days
Employers must grant domestic helpers at least one day off every seven days. A day off is a continuous period of at least 24 hours.
Annual Leave for Foreign Domestic Helpers
Under labor laws, foreign domestic helpers are entitled to paid annual leave after serving the same employer for a full twelve months. The number of days of annual leave ranges from 7 to 14, depending on the length of service.
Statutory Holidays for Foreign Domestic Helpers
According to the Labor Department, there will be a total of 15 statutory holidays in 2026:
- New Year's Day: January 1
- Lunar New Year: February 17
- Lunar New Year: February 18
- Chinese New Year: February 19
- Qingming Festival: April 5
- Easter Monday: April 6
- Labor Day: May 1
- Buddha's Birthday: May 24
- Dragon Boat Festival: June 19
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day: July 1
- The day after the Mid-Autumn Festival: September 26
- National Day: October 1
- Double Ninth Festival: October 18
- Winter Solstice or Christmas (at the employer’s discretion): December 22 or December 25
- The first Sunday after Christmas: December 26 (Saturday)
Please note:
If a statutory holiday falls on a domestic helper’s rest day, the holiday must be taken on the day following the rest day. The day taken as a substitute holiday must not be a statutory holiday, a designated holiday, a substitute holiday, or a rest day. Domestic helpers are entitled to holiday pay after completing three months of employment.
Tips for Employers
We believe that professional and satisfactory matchmaking, coupled with a positive and long-term employment relationship, can create a win-win situation that enhances family well-being and fosters social harmony and inclusion. A successful match is just the beginning; One Heart team provides you with MVP-level after-sales service, regularly checking in on you and your domestic helper throughout the two-year contract period and offering ongoing support.At the same time, a positive employer-employee relationship requires ongoing effort from you, your family, and your domestic helper. We’ve compiled the following information to help you build a harmonious relationship with your helper, allowing her to utilize her strengths to assist with household tasks so that you and your family can enjoy more quality time together and enhance your overall sense of well-being.
Integrating Positive Psychology (PERMA) into Employment Relationships
Positive Emotions (E)
Regularly express gratitude to your domestic helper with thoughtful gestures to foster a positive atmosphere and make them feel cared for and respected by the family
Engagement (E)
By involving domestic helpers children’s daily play and learning activities, or in the daily lives of the elderly, they will become more engaged in their work.
Positive Relationships (P)
Treat your domestic helper as a member of the family, invite her to celebrate holidays with you, and integrate her into family life, while respecting each other’s personal space
The Meaning of Life (M)
Help domestic helpers understand their contribution to their children’s growth through the small details of daily life, thereby giving their work deeper meaning
Sense of Accomplishment (A)
Employers should provide clear work instructions and offer specific praise when domestic helpers perform well, thereby fostering a sense of accomplishment
Tips for Maintaining Harmonious Employment Relationships
Clear Communication
During the initial onboarding period, clearly explain to the domestic worker their job responsibilities, daily routines, and days off, and establish clear expectations.
Respect for Culture
Understanding the cultural background of domestic helpers (such as the dietary habits of Muslim domestic helpers from Indonesia) helps them adapt to their new life in Hong Kong
Check in regularly
In addition to managing household chores, employers should also take an active interest in their domestic helper's’ adjustment to life in the new environment and their emotional well-being.
Keep clear records
Maintain written records of salary payments, vacation schedules, and other matters to avoid misunderstandings
Looking for a domestic helper? We’d love to hear about your needs. Please feel free to contact our team.