Is my helper entitled to a retirement programme or pension fund in Hong Kong (like MPF)?

Migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong are not subject to a compulsory pension scheme (such as MPF) as you would be if you worked in an office setting. However, there is no reason for employers not to proactively pursue an insurance arrangement between themselves and their helper.

Ensuring that your helper has a future plan, especially if you are open to contributing to it, can create a harmonious long-lasting working relationship between you and your helper.

Depending on which country she is from, she might have government pensions schemes available to her in her home country. 

The Philippines

By Philippine law, it is now mandatory for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), which includes migrant domestic workers, to contribute towards their Social Security System (SSS). As helpers are working abroad, their category is OFW/Self-Employed/Voluntary Member and there is a corresponding schedule for contribution payments.There is no mandatory amount that must be paid towards this each month - the regular payment amount can be chosen by the member. 

Monthly contributions are made via accredited remittance centres that have been approved by SSS. SSS provides multiple benefits to their members which you can read more about here. The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong has an SSS Office which can answer further questions.

If you would like to contribute towards your helper’s SSS, you can certainly do so. Currently (as of May 2019), there is no formal process to do so. It is important to note that you would not be contributing officially as an ‘employer’ but this would be a more informal arrangement between you and your helper. Employers are welcome to contribute in either of the following ways:

• Remit money in person via the SSS approved list of banks and payment centres.

• Incorporate the monthly contribution amount (or an agreed percentage of it) into your helper’s monthly salary and request a receipt of the remittance transaction from her on a monthly basis. 

Indonesia

Indonesian domestic workers can choose a voluntary government scheme entitled ‘BPJS’. While BPJS is commonly known for medical insurance, few domestic workers know that they also provide a pension plan. The next time she visits home, your helper can visit her local BPJS office and explore her options. To learn more about the BPJS Pension Plan for Indonesian domestic workers (also known as ‘PMI’), visit their website.