FDH Summer Extended Leave?

Surely someone has come up against this. Please lend some advice.
1) FDH with us 3 mos
2) We must leave for states to care for parents July/Aug
3) We are remodeling our entire home
4) Nothing for the helper to do and no where to stay
What are our options? It seems a bit unrealistic to pay her full salary to hang out at the boarding house for 2 months at our expense.

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Posted by cara (383 days ago)

you must pay her for the time. it's not her fault you are going away.

you could offer to pay for her to fly home and still pay her for the time... it might be cheaper than paying for a boarding house for 2 months.

Posted by Susie1 (383 days ago)

I think you still have to pay her the full salary, it is not her fault the house is being renovated. If her room isn't being done she could stay and keep the place secure, and tidy up after the workmen. Just lock up any valuables because of the workmen and the FDH.
If you sent her home you would still have to provide airfare, and wages while she effectively does nothing. Plus if she has a husband or boyfriend she may or may not come back pregnant, leaving you with a little surprise and a lot of problems when you get back.
She could stay in a boarding house, but it isn't really allowed by Imm. plus you would have to pay for her to be there.
If she has no work from you for 2 months, she may possibly work elsewhere, lots of them do while the boss is away, but that isn't legal either.
Last option is to terminate her contract, and get another FDH when you get back, if she is any good you could perhaps help her find another employer before you go on holiday, so that you can meet up and recommend her, because 3 months employment then termination doesn't look good to future employers without very good reason. As she has only worked for you for 3 months she would just require one months notice, and her airfare one way plus expenses of 100hkd per day to go home.

Posted by FIFIB (382 days ago)

yes you have to pay her eventhough you are not here. I suggest you send her to the Phil for holidays in advance againts her 2 year contract and negotiate with her to work some of the coming statutory holidays such as Dragon boat festival, Oct 1 st, 2nd, 23rd etc

Posted by malka (382 days ago)

Surely remodelling entire house takes a few months planning and you knew that when hiring her? I agree with above you have contractual obligations.

Another option is to bring her along on a tourist visa so you can keep an eye on her, but I think the termination and rehire is a better one if you cannot negotiate a workable solution - advise against leaving her on her own in HK as you are responsible for her. Living out during the 2 mths is illegal unless Immi permits.