Cover When employers embrace domestic helpers as family, Hong Kong households transform with love. From left: Beatrice Chu, her newborn son Flynn and helper Julie
When employers embrace domestic helpers as family, Hong Kong households transform with love. From left: Beatrice Chu, her newborn son Flynn and helper Julie
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While stories of exploitation about Hong Kong’s domestic helpers often dominate headlines, these uplifting tales show a different side of Hong Kong’s heart
In Hong Kong, where migrant domestic workers are an integral part of daily life for many families, the relationship between employers and workers can be transformative when built on mutual respect. On International Domestic Workers’ Day, we highlight a few stories that show how families can be anchored around a respectful relationship between employers and domestic helpers.
These stories remind us that when domestic workers are treated with dignity and respect, families flourish and the entire community benefits.
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Bella’s bond with her ‘auntie’
Above Bella Li (right) at the launch of her book ‘Ubuntu’ (Photo: courtesy of Bella Li)
Bella Li (right) at the launch of her book ‘Ubuntu’ (Photo: courtesy of Bella Li)
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University student Bella Li has formed a deep connection with their family’s helper, who has been working with them for four years. “We have had a wonderful and mutually respectful relationship since the very beginning,” says Bella, who studies in Edinburgh but comes home during holidays.
Their connection centres around the kitchen. Bella’s favourite memory is learning to make perfect sago (tapioca pearls) from her helper, who is from Mindanao Island in the Philippines. “There’s this undocumented expertise involved,” Bella says. Her helper also serves as chief taste-tester for Bella’s baking experiments, recently trying her signature Basque burnt cheesecake and declaring she “absolutely loved it”.
This relationship inspired Bella to create Ubuntu, a cookbook featuring changemakers from ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. She donated all profits to the local NGO Help for Domestic Workers, which provides legal aid to migrant domestic workers, and other social organisations.
Bella describes her helper as “a teacher with valuable life experiences” who has also taught her patience. Their bond extends beyond work—her helper organises hikes and maintains an active social life, creating what Bella calls a “fitness exchange” between them.
New parents, new partnership: Bea and Julie
Food, privacy and adequate rest are key concerns for many helpers
When Beatrice Chu and her husband were expecting their son Flynn, they hired Julie through an ethical employment agency. As first-time employers, they conducted interviews themselves to create a relaxed atmosphere.
“After a couple of meetings and speaking to her previous employers, we knew that Julie was the right person for our family,” Bea recalls. Julie joined them in June 2024, just before Flynn was born.
Initially hired for cooking and cleaning, Julie’s role evolved when Bea returned to work. Now she cares for 11-month-old Flynn during the day, and in Bea’s words, “Flynn loves spending time with her”. During those crucial early weeks, Julie seamlessly managed household chores and meal preparation while the parents focused on newborn care.
“She helped maintain routine in the household, allowing us to focus on caring for the baby,” Bea says, praising Julie’s organisational skills.
But Bea is aware of the sacrifices involved. Julie has a 2-year-old daughter and an older daughter in college back in the Philippines. “The sacrifices made by domestic helpers who leave their own families and countries for this demanding work need to be appreciated fully,” Bea says.
Their employment approach emphasises dignity: no formal titles, freedom for Julie to manage her workload without micromanagement and respect for her room as personal space. “We want good communication, mutual respect and trust, and a relaxed working atmosphere,” Bea says.
Real challenges remain
Above Domestic helpers are key to Hong Kong’s fabric. But they are also one of the most vulnerable groups in the city (Photo: Getty Images)
Domestic helpers are key to Hong Kong’s fabric. But they are also one of the most vulnerable groups in the city (Photo: Getty Images)
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However, all parties concerned acknowledge the ongoing challenges that migrant domestic workers face. Julie shares a situation with a previous employer who didn’t give her any control over her day off and would expect her to return to work in the evenings, even on the day off. This is a classic case of power imbalance between the employers and the migrant domestic helpers.
Bea adds that “food, privacy and adequate rest are key concerns for many helpers”, and advocates for clearer channels for domestic helpers to seek assistance when facing problems.
Julie’s own experience illustrates these challenges. She previously had to approach Hong Kong’s labour department after a termination “without valid reason” and return to the Philippines while her case was being processed—and at that time, she was unaware of support organisations like Help for Domestic Workers.
Where Help steps in
This is where Help for Domestic Workers plays a vital role. Help serves as what Bea calls “a neutral third party for both employers and employees to approach with questions or issues”. The organisation provides resources, training and mediation to help both sides communicate effectively.
“We believe that disagreements, cultural differences and communication misunderstandings shouldn't lead to a breakdown in these important connections,” says Avril Rodrigues, head of communications and development at Help. “Instead, we empower both sides to navigate challenges together.”
To do this, Help provides education about rights and financial literacy workshops to helpers, in a move that Bella calls “democratising knowledge” for the domestic worker community.
Rodrigues adds, “Our goal is to ensure that both parties receive the care and respect they deserve, helping build a stronger, more supportive community in Hong Kong.”
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Suchetana Mukhopadhyay is the Digital Content Manager for Tatler Hong Kong. In this role, she leads all digital editorial and branded content on Tatler Hong Kong’s website, from brainstorming story ideas with the writers to editing and publishing the articles, and from managing the overall content flow to driving search engine optimisation. She also leads the beauty content at Tatler Hong Kong and across the region, and is always looking to champion diversity through her articles. She was previously with Cedar Hong Kong and Gafencu, and freelanced for the South China Morning Post, Campaign Asia-Pacific, CNN and more. Contact her here.
