Reader’s Question:

I have been with my current employer for 5 months now. They own a shop, and they routinely ask me to arrange their storeroom and pre-package some of the goods. Being new in Hong Kong, I was wondering if this is against the law? If it is, how do I talk to my employer about it? – Linda, Kowloon

Hello Linda, thank you for your question!

Helping in your employer’s commercial venture does not count as a domestic chore. By asking you to perform non-domestic duties, your employer is in breach of the conditions stated in the standard employment contract (SEC).

According to the Hong Kong Labour Department Handbook, “If an employer requires an FDH to perform non-domestic duties, he/she will commit an offence under the Immigration Ordinance (IO) and is liable to prosecution.”

Major household chores stated in the SEC include, but are not limited to, cooking, looking after the elderly, and child-minding. Other duties considered incidental to household chores might include going to the market, washing cars, delivery of food or personal items to the employer or their family members (living in the same residence) outside of their place of dwelling etc. 

When you talk to your employer about this, be calm and honest. Mention that helping out with their business is not part of your duties, but anything inside the household or other outside errands relating to domestic work are totally fine. Having a frank and composed discussion should avoid any misunderstandings and future frustrations.

For any further questions or clarifications about domestic duties, you can call the Foreign Domestic Helper section of the Immigration Department or the Labour Department, via the hotline numbers below.