Can I make changes to the standard domestic helper employment contract?

What is the Standard Employment Contract for domestic helpers?

Under Hong Kong law, domestic helpers must only be employed under the Standard Employment Contract, a universal contract template used by all employers and domestic helpers. Therefore, as an employer you should not personally create a contract, as this will not be recognised as legitimate for this purpose.

Can I make changes to the Standard Employment Contract?

The Standard Employment Contract sets out a number of provisions which employers and helpers must agree to and cannot be changed or removed, even with the mutual consent of both parties.

It is important for employers to be aware that domestic helpers have a special employment visa, which only allows them to work for one employer/contract at a time. A key point to be aware of is that it is illegal for migrant domestic helpers to find part-time work outside of the home address written on the contract, under any circumstances. Read more about the permitted work activities for domestic helpers here.

Can I change the address stated on the Standard Employment Contract?

While changes cannot be made to the set clauses of the Standard Employment Contract, an employer will need to update the address on the domestic helper contract if they move during the employment period. Read this article for more information on how to do this.