Every Sunday, thousands of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) from the Philippines and Indonesia gather in Central, Causeway Bay, and parks across Hong Kong. Sharing food and stories is more than just a way to have fun – it is a vital means of supporting one another. As an MDW, you are the backbone of Hong Kong’s households. Your work enables local parents to pursue their careers, and in doing so, helps keep the city running.

Because your work is so important, Hong Kong law gives you specific legal protections. Knowing these rules is the best way to protect yourself, stay safe, and ensure you are treated with dignity.

Never sign any document or agreement if you do not understand it completely. You have the right to ask for a copy in your own language; you can also contact HOPE for free translation services on 3009 9006 (Filipino) or 3009 9001 (Bahasa Indonesia).

Your legal rights under Hong Kong law

Unlike some other cities, Hong Kong has strict labour laws that protect MDWs. Under the Employment Ordinance, you are legally entitled to several benefits:

• Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW): Employers cannot pay you less than the government-set minimum wage. Always check your bank statements to make sure you are receiving the full amount.
• Mandatory Rest Days: You are entitled to at least one full 24-hour rest day every week. Your employer cannot force you to work on your rest day, even if they offer to pay you extra, unless you freely agree to it.
• Paid Leave and Holidays: You have the right to statutory public holidays and paid annual leave after you finish a contract.
• Medical Care: Your employer must provide you with free medical treatment if you are sick or injured, including dental care for emergency situations.
• Maternity Protection: It is illegal for an employer to fire you because you are pregnant. You are legally entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave if you have worked for them for at least 40 weeks.

Three Crucial Policies You Must Know

While you have many rights, it is also important to understand these specific immigration rules to ensure you can navigate tough situations safely.

• The live-in rule: You are legally required to live in your employer’s home. Make sure you have a safe, private place to sleep. If you are being forced to sleep in a kitchen, bathroom, or hallway, this violates your contract.
• The two-week rule: If your contract is terminated early, you must leave Hong Kong or find a new employer within 14 days. Because 14 days is very short, seek help from your agency, a trusted charity, or your consulate immediately if you think your contract is going to end.
• The breach of employment rule: It is illegal to take up any other employment with any other person aside from your employer during your stay in Hong Kong. This includes part-time jobs, work and affiliate marketing for commercial businesses, monetised income from social media, and selling merchandise or food.

Where to find help

If you feel unsafe, are not getting paid correctly, or are facing unfair termination, you do not have to handle it alone. Organisations like Mission for Migrant Workers,  PathFinders (especially helpful if you are pregnant), HELP for Domestic Workers, and your home country’s embassy/consulate are there to offer free legal advice and shelter if needed. Speaking up protects not just you, but your fellow workers too.