Can domestic helpers live out?

Can domestic helpers live outside of their employer’s residence?

No, it is illegal for domestic helpers to ‘live out’. Employers need to provide domestic helpers with “suitable accommodation” within their home. According to Clause 3 of the Standard Employment Contract (ID407), the employer is required to provide the helper with free accommodation as per the standard specified in the “Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties” of the employment contract.

What could happen if a domestic helper lives out?

If a domestic helper is caught living out, the consequences for both the employer and domestic helper can be very serious. As the employer, you could be fined up to HK$150,000, imprisoned, and lose your right to hire a domestic helper in the future. Domestic helpers are likely to be imprisoned, deported, and banned from working in Hong Kong ever again.