Buying an airticket for a helper

We will be releasing our helper. I believe you have to buy an airline ticket. But does that still apply given that helpers can re-apply for another job in HK without going home first? Perhaps it depends on the circumstances in which her contract is ended (if fired, maybe she has to go home? if financial difficulties then maybe she can apply for a new job without going home?) Any advice would be appreciated.

According to the contract, you have to provide a ticket OR money equivalent. I have just fired my helper and the parting was not very pleasant. So, in order to avoid misunderstandings (e.g., if I gave her money she might have claimed that it was not enough) I bought a ticket to Indonesia, to her city, worth HK$3.200. It included the air ticket, one night stay in a hotel and a connecting flight plus HK$200 bus and food fare to her village. I informed my travel agent that I do not mind if she wants to get cash. Eventually, she decided to stay in HK and got HK1,800 refund.


It all depends on the reason why your helper would be leaving you. If it is your fault (e.g., financial problem) I would give money, may be even more that the ticket fee in order to compensate. If her performance was the reason for dismissal, then buy her a ticket. Just my 2 cents.

Tks for the comments. She will be fired for performance altho' what she tells the Immigration Dept who knows?