LABOUR chiefs are to issue a re-drafted guidebook for foreign domestic helpers and their employers to make them aware of their rights and responsibilities.
In an attempt to reduce a recent string of abuse cases, the new booklet, Practical Guide for Employment of Foreign Domestic Helpers - What Foreign Domestic Helpers and Their Employers Should Know, will be issued in five languages: Indonesian, Thai, Tagalog, English and Chinese.
Two new chapters on maternity and employment protection have been added to the Labour Department publication. Twelve new questions and answers, explaining issues such as part-time jobs, days off and termination of contracts have also been included.
The department's chief labour officer, Jenny Chan Mak Kit-ling, said she hoped the booklet would offer more definite answers to workers and employers.
'These new booklets have drawn on the questions that our hotline receives. We also contacted labour and employers' groups, asking their opinions on the renewed booklet,' Mrs Chan explained.
'We want to have definite answers to the workers' and employers' queries. By doing so, we hope misunderstandings can be eliminated so as to reduce disputes.'