To be kind or to keep to the rules?

Hello all, i really needed some advice and expertise on my following situation.


I have a helper whom has worked with us for the last 6months and we have pre-agreed to let her go home in December for a week this coming Christmas even though she has not completed her 1 year of contract with us (aka annual leave right?)


And recently she mentioned that she has relatives visiting Hong kong and she would like to take unpaid leave of 6 days to accompany them and to stay out with them.


I'm caught in between trying to be an understanding employer and keeping to rules.


When we employed her, apparently she hasn't been back home for the last 2 years thus we granted her the early annual leave to help with her home sickness.


But for this unpaid leave and staying out, it is really additional bonus and perks which i know i need not give her but i felt that she has been working hard for it and she has been of good help so far.


So what's holding me back is that 1) i'm not so sure if it is legal for helper to stay out on her leave period. 2) would i be held responsible if she has any accidents, or etc during this period of leave? 3) any other better advise or words of precautions on what could i do?


Thanks in advance.

hello ladies,


Thank you for the thoughts. Yes, i don't think i have problem giving her the leave since from the way i sees it, she has worked hard for it.


Perhaps, i fail to mentioned that i'm not quite sure if there would be any problems with staying out as i remembered that on the contract, helpers has to stay at the address provided during their employment. Unless they goes on their annual leave which is usually back home.


Does that law still stands if i as an employer allows her to take a leave on vacation in HK and she prefers to stay out?


Much thanks.

The staying out should not be a problem since she is on leave. The regulations do not specifically cover this case however.


Also, helpers may stay out one night a week during their mandatory 24 hours minimum rest.

thank you axptguy38, certainly put my mind at ease. problem solved, off she goes for her long awaited reunion.

wow. imagine you worked for a company which would not grant you any days of upaid leave after you had been with them for 6 months?