Do I have to pay my domestic worker?
Ava Robinson
Published Apr 07, 2026
An employer must pay a domestic worker for any time worked in excess of three hours during any period of stand-by. The employee must be paid at the normal overtime rate or given paid time-off. The employee must be compensated by an allowance of at least 10% of the ordinary daily wage.
Can domestic helper resign?
“As much as the employer has the right to terminate, a domestic helper also has the right to resign,” she said. “Employers should try to help the maids settle in better, but should not be forcing them to stay on.”
Can FDW stay out?
Under MOM’s current regulations, stay-out maids are not allowed and “the employer shall ensure that the foreign employee resides at the residential address stated in the work permit”. …
How is domestic helper daily salary calculated?
Daily wage calculation: Monthly wage*12 ÷ 365. Daily food allowance calculation: Monthly food allowance*12 ÷ 365.
How is domestic helper long service calculated?
Calculation is wages per month *2/3* duration of service in years. An incomplete service year is computed on the basis of pro- rata. An employer is not required to pay both long service payment and severance payment to the foreign domestic helper.
Can helper sleep in living room?
Modesty: your FDW must not sleep in the same room as a male adult or teenager. You must not install them in areas that will compromise her privacy or modesty, e.g. where she sleeps, change clothes, or the bathroom area. Space and privacy: you should provide your FDW with a separate room.
How many holidays do you need for domestic helper?
A domestic worker is entitled to a paid annual leave after every 12 months with the same employer. The first 2 years, the number of holidays are 7, after which one more day is added, with the maximum days capped at 14.
What holidays are domestic helpers entitled to?
Statutory holidays are as follows for 2021:
- The first day of January: 1 January.
- Lunar New Year’s Day: 12 February.
- The second day of Lunar New Year: 13 February.
- The fourth day of Lunar New Year: 15 February.
- Ching Ming Festival: 4 April.
- Labour Day: 1 May.
- Tuen Ng Festival: 14 June.
Can domestic helper work in another household?
Your FDW ‘s employment must comply with the Work Permit regulatory conditions. As an employer, you will be penalised if you illegally deploy her to work at another residential address or perform non-domestic chores. An FDW: Cannot take on work with other employers.
How much must domestic workers pay?
As of March 2020, the minimum wage for domestic workers is at 75% of the base – R15. 57 per hour. Under the new proposals, a bump up to 88% of the 2021 base would make the new minimum for domestic workers R19. 09 per hour – a monetary increase of 23%.
Can my helper stay out overnight?
A domestic helper should avoid staying overnight outside the employer’s house during her day-offs or holidays. Do not use the telephone, except during emergencies and when absolutely necessary. Do not abuse the kindness of your employers. Do not wait for your employers to push you to do things.
Can maid work in 2 household?
This is permitted so long as the helpers accept the arrangements, are not required to perform the household chores of two families, and have their well-being taken care of, said MOM. Those found guilty of illegally deploying an FDW can be fined up to $10,000 in the first instance, and be banned from employing FDWs.
Is it free to hire a domestic helper?
Domestic helpers can use the service 100% for free so that employers can rest assured that their hired helper has not been exploited to find her job with them. HelperChoice aims to eradicate modern domestic slavery while offering both the employer and the worker control over the process of finding the right match.
What do you need to know before hiring a domestic helper?
Before hiring a domestic helper, you need to know whether or not you fit the criteria to be an employer. Firstly, you need to be a Hong Kong resident. If you’re on a tourist visa, it’s not going to work. Secondly, you will need proof of address, since your helper will be living with you.
Can a domestic helper ask for a loan?
For those of you who are new to hiring a domestic helper, or if you haven’t faced these kinds of situations before, we’ve paired with HelperChoice to answer those tricky questions about finances, asking for a loan and more. There are several situations for which you helper could ask you for a loan or a salary advance.
Why is it important for domestic workers to have a payslip?
One of the most common issues domestic workers experience is wage theft. Each pay period, it is important to track what you are owed and what you are paid. We put together a simple template for payslips that either an employee or an employer can use to document wages.