Working away from home

Domestic Workers · Know your rights

If you work in another country or island, plan your way home.

What you should get

• Migrant domestic workers should get a written job offer or contract before crossing the border (C189, Art. 8).
• Countries must set out when migrant domestic workers are entitled to repatriation at the end of the contract (C189, Art. 8).
• Countries should regulate private employment agencies and investigate complaints about them (C189, Art. 15).

Check for

• Your contract says how and when you get home, and who pays

What you can do

• Leave a copy of your contract and your employer's address with your family.

Sources: ILO C189, Art. 8 and 15 (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