What counts as suitable accommodation for a domestic helper in Hong Kong?

Overview

"Suitable accommodation with reasonable privacy" is the legal standard written into the Standard Employment Contract (ID407) and enforced by the Immigration Department. There is no published square footage rule, but the government has made clear what passes and what doesn't.

What Is NOT Suitable

The Hong Kong government explicitly states that the following are not acceptable:

• A temporary or fold-out bed in a corridor, living room, or any area lacking privacy
• Sharing a bedroom with an adult or teenager of the opposite sex
• A storeroom with no ventilation or natural light
• Any space that cannot be closed off to provide genuine privacy

What Is Generally Acceptable

• A separate bedroom — even a small one — provided it can be closed for privacy
• A partitioned space within a larger room, if it creates genuine separation (a curtain in an open-plan area does not qualify)
• Sharing a room with young children is not explicitly prohibited, but the "reasonable privacy" standard still applies

Contractual Requirement

The accommodation arrangement must be described in writing in the "Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties" attached to the Standard Employment Contract. The Immigration Department reviews this when assessing the visa application.

CCTV and Privacy

If you install CCTV cameras at home for security:

• The helper must be informed
• CCTV is strictly prohibited in bathrooms, toilets, and the helper's private sleeping or resting area
• Covert surveillance of a helper's private area may be a criminal offence

Important Notes

• Immigration officers can and do investigate accommodation complaints
• Helpers who report unsuitable accommodation to the Labour Department or ImmD trigger formal investigations
• If you move house, notify the ImmD using Form ID407G — the new accommodation will be re-assessed

Related Resources

• ImmD — accommodation guidelines
• Fair Employment Agency — employer best practices

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