Guide to Preparations for New Foreign Domestic Helpers

Festive customs: Describing significant family celebrations or distinctive traditions.

Communication approach: Provide patient guidance during the initial period to prevent misunderstandings arising from cultural differences. It is advisable to discuss requirements with the domestic helper upon commencement of employment and conduct regular reviews of their adaptation during the first week to establish a sound employer-employee relationship.

Salary Payment: Ensure compliance with the Employment Ordinance and clarify the arrangements for salary disbursement.

Holiday Arrangements: Ensure compliance with the Employment Ordinance (weekly rest days, statutory holidays and annual leave)

Household Rules: Work Arrangements, Timetables and Procedures, Rest Day Scheduling.

Emergency Contacts: Provide telephone numbers for employers or other family members, along with the locations and contact details of the building management office, police station, clinic, or hospital.

Home Appliance Tutorial: Demonstrating how to use household equipment (such as cookers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, etc.).

Visas and Contracts: Ensure that foreign domestic helpers hold valid work visas and an ‘Employment Contract’.

Employees' Compensation Insurance: Confirm that appropriate employees' compensation insurance has been taken out for foreign domestic helpers in accordance with the provisions of the Employees' Compensation Ordinance.

Cleaning tools: cloths, mops, cleaning agents, etc.

Kitchenware: Should the domestic helper be required to cook, provide kitchen utensils, aprons, etc.

Transport and communication facilities: Provide the Wi-Fi password, Octopus card, or confirm whether use of the home telephone is permitted.

Essential furnishings: bed, wardrobe, fan/air conditioning unit, curtains, etc.

Essential items: bed linen, duvet covers, towels, toiletries, slippers, etc. (may be prepared in advance or purchased independently).

First-aid supplies: Inform of the location of the first-aid kit and basic medical assistance procedures.