The household is also the helper's workplace. Clear wage, rest and duty records let both employer and helper see what has been provided and reduce disputes that otherwise depend on memory.
Evidence to keep
Current protections and scope
Foreign domestic helpers work under the standard ID407 contract and applicable employment protections. The contract wage must not fall below the Minimum Allowable Wage applicable when signed, a different arrangement from the ordinary statutory hourly minimum. Check the signing date and relevant official standard instead of relying on an old online figure.
Helpers have at least one rest day in every seven days, statutory holidays and qualifying paid leave. They cannot be compelled to work on rest days or have statutory holidays replaced with payment. The contract also covers accommodation with reasonable privacy, food or allowance, medical care and other obligations. Helpers should retain their own passport and identity card.
Act in order: evidence and assistance
- Each party should keep the signed contract and accommodation/duties schedule and confirm duties, sleeping arrangements, food choice and wage date. Household convenience does not authorise deployment to another person's home or a business for work outside the permitted contract and immigration arrangements.
- Pay the full contractual wages on time; official guidance specifies no later than seven days after the wage period ends. Keep accurate bank or cash records, with the helper acknowledging only money actually received. Itemise food allowance, reimbursements and deductions rather than combining them in an unexplained total.
- Record rest days, statutory holidays, alternative arrangements and annual leave separately and discuss the schedule beforehand. Do not treat overnight availability as genuine rest or automatically cancel a day because the employer has plans. Work on a statutory holiday requires the applicable legal arrangement rather than an informal buyout.
- For unpaid wages, retained documents, accommodation or safety concerns, take the contract and records to Labour's FDH assistance or Labour Relations services. Immigration handles deployment and stay matters; use 999 for immediate danger. Seeking help does not require first signing a release of claims or an unexplained settlement.
Common misunderstandings
A damaged item does not permit taking an arbitrary amount from wages. Deduction conditions and limits apply, so retain the reason and calculation for checking. Gifts or additional payments do not automatically offset unpaid wages or holiday obligations; identify what each payment is intended to cover.
Personal identity documents are not security for the employer or agency. Record only necessary identity information and protect it, while helpers retain their own contract, receipts and assistance contacts. Clarify documents in an unfamiliar language before signing and never acknowledge an inaccurate account of payments or duties.
Turn the problem into a usable record
A monthly page can show the wage period, contractual wage, food allowance, actual payment date, rest days and leave taken. Both parties can check it against bank records. Raise a specific discrepancy promptly in writing rather than reconstructing six months of arrangements from memory.
Keep clear records of the contract, full payments, genuine rest and the helper's own documents.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.
- Labour Department: foreign domestic helpers' rights corner
- Labour Department: practical foreign domestic helper employment guide
- Labour Department: standard-contract and receipt references
Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57); standard ID407 contract and immigration conditions
This is general information; an individual dispute depends on the facts, documents, and current law.