Month: August 2025

The Direct Answer: The 2025 food allowance is HK$1,236 per month (increased from HK$1,196 in 2024), but 73% of helpers who take it report struggling to eat properly on this amount. Food in Hong Kong realistically costs HK$2,500-3,500 monthly for basic meals. Take the allowance ONLY if: you have access to cheap wet markets, can

The Direct Answer: GET OUT IMMEDIATELY and report to police – sexual harassment is a serious crime in every country where OFWs work. You don’t need to wait for “enough” evidence or actual assault. Comments about your body, requests for massage, showing pornography, “accidental” touching, or entering your room at night are ALL crimes. Call

The Direct Answer: NO, it’s ILLEGAL for employers to provide insufficient food, force you to eat only leftovers, or restrict your food access in Hong Kong, Singapore, and all Gulf countries. Your contract includes “food provision” which legally means adequate, nutritious meals – not scraps, expired food, or one meal per day. In Hong Kong,

The Direct Answer: NO, it is completely ILLEGAL for employers to install CCTV cameras in your room in both Hong Kong and Singapore. Your room is considered private space where you have reasonable expectation of privacy, even in the employer’s home. In Hong Kong, this violates the Personal Data Privacy Ordinance with fines up to

Quick Answer: Breaking an OFW contract has serious consequences including paying back deployment costs (₱30,000-₱80,000), potential deployment ban (6 months to 2 years), blacklisting by agencies, and lost end-of-service benefits. However, you have legal rights to terminate contracts for valid reasons including abuse, non-payment, illegal working conditions, or family emergencies. Proper documentation and following legal