What happens if I perform an immediate termination domestic helper action without a written notice?

If you initiate an immediate termination domestic helper action, you are legally required to provide a payment in lieu of notice helper fee equal to 1 full month’s salary (including food allowance). You must also issue a written Notice of termination of employment contract or helper termination letter detailing the last work day and final settlement breakdown.

Is a helper allowed to give cash instead of serving the domestic helper notice period?

Yes. If a helper decides to break contract HK rules immediately without giving a 1-month written domestic helper notice period, she must pay the employer 1 month's wage in lieu of notice. Alternatively, this amount can be offset against her final settlement payouts if agreed upon in writing.

How do I legally complete an ID407E online submission?

To terminate helper Hong Kong contracts officially with the government, navigate to the GovHK website and search for ID407E online submission. Fill in details from your ID407 contract, specify the last work day, upload a copy of the helper termination letter or domestic helper resignation letter, and submit Form ID407E / ID 407E within 7 days of contract cancellation.

Can I pay cash instead of buying a physical flight ticket for a helper air ticket termination?

While some employers give cash, it creates severe liability risks. Under helper air ticket termination rules, if you provide cash and the helper spends it without leaving Hong Kong, you remain legally responsible for her repatriation if she overstays. It is safest to purchase a physical, non-refundable flight ticket directly to her home airport.

Does a helper qualify for severance payment domestic helper HK payouts if she resigns?

No. A helper is not entitled to a severance payment domestic helper HK settlement if she resigns voluntarily or provides a helper resignation letter sample notice. Severance payment is only triggered when the employer terminates the contract due to household redundancy (e.g., family relocation, employer passing, or financial downsizing) after at least 2 years of service.

Why is a generic "divide by 30" formula illegal in a domestic helper termination calculation?

Under Cap. 1 of Hong Kong law, a monthly wage cycle is tied to actual calendar days. Dividing salary by 30 during a 31-day month artificially lowers the daily rate and results in a statutory wage underpayment in your domestic helper termination calculation, which remains legally void at the Labour Tribunal even if signed for on a receipt.