If you live in the household

Domestic Workers · Know your rights

Living where you work should not mean giving up your privacy or your freedom.

What you should get

• You are free to agree with your employer whether or not you live in the household (C189, Art. 9).
• If you live in: decent living conditions that respect your privacy (C189, Art. 6).
• You do not have to stay in the house or with the family during your rest days, daily rest or leave (C189, Art. 9).
• You keep your own travel and identity documents (C189, Art. 9).

Check for

• You have your own sleeping space
• Your passport or ID is with you

What you can do

• If your documents are taken and not returned, that is a warning sign. Ask for help.

Sources: ILO C189, Art. 6 and 9 (NORMLEX)

This card is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country. Information checked 2 October 2026. For help, see piowr.org/domestic-workers and piowr.org/tools/find-help.

Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations · Fair Conditions At Work · piowr.org