I’ve mentioned previously that domestic helpers are very, very common among expatriate families in Hong Kong. I was part of a conversation last week where one woman asked another, “how are you doing now that you have just one helper?” She was serious. Oh, the sacrifices people make!
Indeed, it is assumed that foreign families have one or more helpers. At Lydia’s school orientation, we were told to make sure our helpers were aware of food allergies, bus schedules, bad weather procedures, how to hand in homework, etc. One of the relocation guides we have has a section “Hiring a Domestic Helper – One of Your Most Important Decisions.” Clearly, having a helper is the social and cultural norm.
I’m often met with surprise when I explain that we don’t have a helper and currently don't plan to hire one. I have been told many, many times - even by domestic helpers themselves - that my life would be much easier with a helper. One of my Malaysian friends said to me, “You Americans are so independent! Accept some help!”
So who are these domestic helpers and how does it all work?
There are about 250,000 domestic helpers, nearly all women, in Hong Kong that are from other poor Asian countries. Filipinos make up the majority of the helper population, followed by Indonesians; the remainder is made up of Thais, Sri Lankans, Indians, and Nepalese. Many of the Filipino women are college educated and speak fluent English, but are unable to find jobs in their own country.
The duties of helpers can include cleaning, cooking, child care, grocery shopping, dog walking, car washing, and even some financial management. The monthly minimum wage for helpers is equal to nearly $450 (U.S. dollars). Helpers are entitled to 24 hours off each week along with statutory holidays. An employer must provide medical insurance and a plane ticket to the helper’s home country each year. Contracts are a two year minimum. If terminated, helpers must return to their home country within 14 days.
Hong Kong law requires that the domestic helpers here on foreign visas live in their employers’ homes; part-time, live-out work is illegal. The amount of space that must be provided to a helper is not defined by law. Each of the apartment complexes we saw had space, usually a small room with a bathroom (sometimes these were the same room), for a helper. However, it is generally acceptable for employers to have their helpers sleep on kitchen floors or in storage spaces.
I’m often on the playground, at the bus stop, or in the shuttle bus to the grocery store with all helpers. I have met many very kind, friendly women who tell me about their families back home. Most appear glad to be here - working as a helper is a way for them to support their husbands, children, and extended families. Others seem weary – but who can blame them?!
Certainly, life would be easier with a helper – it would provide an extra set of hands, a built-in babysitter (there is no such thing as day care here and finding a babysitter is extremely difficult), and having an immaculate house 100% of the time sounds fabulous. The value for the money can’t be beat. I don’t begrudge anyone who decides it is right for them. Still, the sacrifice of privacy and the guilt of having someone who does so much for so little (living under our roof!) is too much for me to take on.
But, who knows...maybe someday we'll change our minds about having full-time help. Until then, I'm okay being one of those wildly independent Americans!
Indeed, it is assumed that foreign families have one or more helpers. At Lydia’s school orientation, we were told to make sure our helpers were aware of food allergies, bus schedules, bad weather procedures, how to hand in homework, etc. One of the relocation guides we have has a section “Hiring a Domestic Helper – One of Your Most Important Decisions.” Clearly, having a helper is the social and cultural norm.
I’m often met with surprise when I explain that we don’t have a helper and currently don't plan to hire one. I have been told many, many times - even by domestic helpers themselves - that my life would be much easier with a helper. One of my Malaysian friends said to me, “You Americans are so independent! Accept some help!”
So who are these domestic helpers and how does it all work?
There are about 250,000 domestic helpers, nearly all women, in Hong Kong that are from other poor Asian countries. Filipinos make up the majority of the helper population, followed by Indonesians; the remainder is made up of Thais, Sri Lankans, Indians, and Nepalese. Many of the Filipino women are college educated and speak fluent English, but are unable to find jobs in their own country.
The duties of helpers can include cleaning, cooking, child care, grocery shopping, dog walking, car washing, and even some financial management. The monthly minimum wage for helpers is equal to nearly $450 (U.S. dollars). Helpers are entitled to 24 hours off each week along with statutory holidays. An employer must provide medical insurance and a plane ticket to the helper’s home country each year. Contracts are a two year minimum. If terminated, helpers must return to their home country within 14 days.
Hong Kong law requires that the domestic helpers here on foreign visas live in their employers’ homes; part-time, live-out work is illegal. The amount of space that must be provided to a helper is not defined by law. Each of the apartment complexes we saw had space, usually a small room with a bathroom (sometimes these were the same room), for a helper. However, it is generally acceptable for employers to have their helpers sleep on kitchen floors or in storage spaces.
I’m often on the playground, at the bus stop, or in the shuttle bus to the grocery store with all helpers. I have met many very kind, friendly women who tell me about their families back home. Most appear glad to be here - working as a helper is a way for them to support their husbands, children, and extended families. Others seem weary – but who can blame them?!
Certainly, life would be easier with a helper – it would provide an extra set of hands, a built-in babysitter (there is no such thing as day care here and finding a babysitter is extremely difficult), and having an immaculate house 100% of the time sounds fabulous. The value for the money can’t be beat. I don’t begrudge anyone who decides it is right for them. Still, the sacrifice of privacy and the guilt of having someone who does so much for so little (living under our roof!) is too much for me to take on.
But, who knows...maybe someday we'll change our minds about having full-time help. Until then, I'm okay being one of those wildly independent Americans!
Note: photo credit goes to Ian Riley for capturing domestic helpers gathering on their day off in the Central area of Hong Kong.
I could use some help send her over ha I would be like you independent Love you aunt lois
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