{"id":3918,"date":"2017-09-25T01:37:06","date_gmt":"2017-09-24T17:37:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ec2-54-254-239-209.ap-southeast-1.compute.amazonaws.com\/?p=3918"},"modified":"2026-01-13T02:56:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T18:56:22","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-helpers-family-visiting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-helpers-family-visiting\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know about Your Helper\u2019s Family Visiting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When a domestic helper works far from home, staying connected with family matters deeply.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-helpers-family-visiting\/#Whats_the_process_like_for_my_helper\" >What&#8217;s the process like for my helper?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-helpers-family-visiting\/#Must_my_helpers_family_stay_with_me_when_they_visit_her\" >Must my helper\u2019s family stay with me when they visit her?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-helpers-family-visiting\/#What_do_I_have_to_do\" >What do I have to do?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-helpers-family-visiting\/#Key_Points_Employers_Should_Know\" >Key Points Employers Should Know<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-helpers-family-visiting\/#What_other_alternatives_do_they_have_if_they_cannot_stay_with_me\" >What other alternatives do they have if they cannot stay with me?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-helpers-family-visiting\/#Should_I_take_in_charge_the_costs_associated_with_her_relatives_coming_over\" >Should I take in charge the costs associated with her relatives coming over?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-helpers-family-visiting\/#Tips_for_Domestic_Helpers_Planning_a_Family_Visit\" >Tips for Domestic Helpers Planning a Family Visit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-helpers-family-visiting\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Your helper\u2019s children in the Philippines are planning a visit to town to see their mother and you are wondering how things are going to unfold, logistically speaking. The following information will shed some light on the \u2013 sometimes quite tedious \u2013 process your helper must go through to have her family over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Helper-Selfie-e1442399096700.jpg\" alt=\"Helpers enjoy using their phones to take pictures\" class=\"wp-image-1585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Helper-Selfie-e1442399096700.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Helper-Selfie-e1442399096700-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Helpers enjoy taking selfies to share with family and friends back home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_process_like_for_my_helper\"><\/span><strong>What&#8217;s the process like for my helper?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your helper will have to go through various steps and make sure that all the necessary paperwork has been processed \u2013 especially in her home country \u2013 so that visiting members can get a 14-day tourist visa. She must ensure that all visiting members of her family have a travel insurance. Should one or several of her minor children visit her unaccompanied by their father, she needs to ensure that they are carrying a written and notarized&nbsp;Permission&nbsp;to Travel Letter from their father allowing them to leave the country \u2013 without such document they will not be allowed out of the country; no matter if she is travelling with them. Besides, all travelling members should possess a round trip ticket. Should her family stay in a hotel or boarding house while in Hong Kong, they must carry with them a proof of accommodation stating the accommodation details as this can be required by immigration officers at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Must_my_helpers_family_stay_with_me_when_they_visit_her\"><\/span><strong>Must my helper\u2019s family stay with me when they visit her?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The decision of whether they should stay with you or not is entirely up to you. Legally, you are not under the obligation of hosting her relatives when they are in Hong Kong. How many people will be visiting at the same time; when will they be visiting; how much space is available to host them and how long they are going to stay \u2013 are all key elements to consider. If she has her own room, her family members might just stay with her and share her room. You might just need to add an extra mattress for example. Discuss it with her to know where she stands about this. Whatever your decision is, discuss it with her and lay all the details so that there are no unmet expectations. If you are unable to meet her request, tell her but make sure you let her know why that is not possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"649\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/family-time-privacy-domestic-helper-1024x649.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/family-time-privacy-domestic-helper-1024x649.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/family-time-privacy-domestic-helper-300x190.png 300w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/family-time-privacy-domestic-helper-768x487.png 768w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/family-time-privacy-domestic-helper-1200x760.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/family-time-privacy-domestic-helper.png 1234w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_I_have_to_do\"><\/span><strong>What do I have to do?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Legally, nothing. However, should you want to facilitate the process for your helper you can decide to back her up by writing an invitation letter mentioning that you agree to accommodate her family members during their stay in Hong Kong \u2013 obviously only if you decide to have them over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Points_Employers_Should_Know\"><\/span><strong>Key Points Employers Should Know<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You, the employer are <strong>not required<\/strong> to host or accommodate a helper\u2019s family.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visitors should <strong>not stay overnight<\/strong> in the employer\u2019s residence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family members must arrange their <strong>own accommodation<\/strong>, such as a hotel or short-term rental.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visitors are <strong>not permitted<\/strong> to enter the household for extended stays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Clear boundaries help protect privacy, household security, and legal compliance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_other_alternatives_do_they_have_if_they_cannot_stay_with_me\"><\/span><strong>What other alternatives do they have if they cannot stay with me?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hong Kong is well-known for its very limited living space and teeny tiny apartments. If your main concern has to do with space, worry not; alternatives do exist. You could advise your helper to check out nearby affordable hostels or boarding houses to accommodate her family while they are visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_take_in_charge_the_costs_associated_with_her_relatives_coming_over\"><\/span><strong>Should I take in charge the costs associated with her relatives coming over?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You are not obligated to take in charge any of the expenses related to her family\u2019s visit; whether it is their flight tickets, food or accommodation \u2013 unless you want to, obviously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Domestic_Helpers_Planning_a_Family_Visit\"><\/span><strong>Tips for Domestic Helpers Planning a Family Visit<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Helpers can help ensure a smooth experience by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Informing the employer early<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making accommodation arrangements independently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scheduling visits during rest days or approved leave<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensuring visitors follow immigration rules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Thoughtful planning reduces stress and misunderstandings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Family connections matter, even when working overseas. While domestic helpers are free to meet visiting relatives during personal time, employers are not required to host or accommodate visitors at home. Clear communication, respect for boundaries, and compliance with immigration rules help ensure these visits remain smooth and respectful for everyone involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/domestic-helpers\/hong-kong\" title=\"\">HelperChoice<\/a> encourages fair, transparent employment relationships built on understanding, dignity, and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For additional information on the topic, please leave a comment below.<br>Spread the word.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When a domestic helper works far from home, staying connected with family matters deeply. Your helper\u2019s children in the Philippines are planning a visit to town to see their mother and you are wondering how things are going to unfold, logistically speaking. The following information will shed some light on the \u2013 sometimes quite tedious [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":4527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Domestic helper family visits explained. Learn the rules, employer responsibilities, and best practices in Hong Kong with this clear HelperChoice guide.","title":"Everything You Need to Know about Your Helper\u2019s Family Visiting - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[544],"class_list":["post-3918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture-guide","tag-bridging-differences"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Filipino-children.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3918"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3918\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14513,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3918\/revisions\/14513"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}