Updated 21 November 2025
Are you looking for a domestic helper for household cleaning and child care? There are more than 390,000 foreign domestic helpers (FDH) in Hong Kong. Some employers choose direct hire (hiring without a domestic helper agency to save expensive agency fee) or full employment agencies / maid agencies service. As an employer, please be careful of what service the agency can provide and the service items included in the fee.
Common Misconduct Behaviour Of Local Maid Agencies
In Hong Kong, some common misconduct behaviors of local maid agencies include:
- Excessive placement fees: Charging excessive fees to both employers and domestic workers, often exceeding the legal limits set by the Hong Kong government.
- Contract violations: Manipulating or misrepresenting the terms and conditions of the employment contract between the employer and the domestic worker.
- Providing false information: Furnishing false or misleading information about the domestic worker’s background, experience, or qualifications.
- Withholding important documents: Retaining essential documents like passports, employment contracts, or identification papers from domestic workers, restricting their freedom of movement.
- Deceptive recruitment practices: Using deceptive tactics to recruit domestic workers, such as false promises regarding wages, benefits, or job opportunities.
- Non-payment or delayed payment of wages: Withholding or delaying the payment of wages to domestic workers, which is a serious violation of their rights.
- Unauthorized deductions: Making unauthorized deductions from the domestic worker’s salary, reducing their earnings unfairly.
- Ignoring complaints: Disregarding or not properly addressing complaints from domestic workers about mistreatment, harassment, or abusive working conditions.
- Poor working and living conditions: Placing domestic workers in unsuitable working or living conditions that do not meet the required standards.
- Violation of working hours: Not adhering to legal working hour regulations, leading to overwork and exhaustion for the domestic worker.
- Lack of proper training: Failing to provide adequate training to domestic workers before their employment begins.
- Discrimination and mistreatment: Engaging in discriminatory practices or mistreatment based on the domestic worker’s nationality, ethnicity, or gender.
- Failure to assist in case of emergencies: Neglecting to provide necessary support or assistance to domestic workers in case of emergencies or health-related issues.
- Human trafficking or forced labor: Involvement in illegal activities related to human trafficking or forced labor, which is a severe criminal offense.
To address these issues, the Hong Kong government has established regulations to protect the rights of domestic workers and ensure fair employment practices. If you encounter any misconduct by a local maid agency in Hong Kong, you should report the matter to the Labour Department or seek assistance from relevant organizations that advocate for the rights of domestic workers. It’s crucial to choose reputable and licensed agencies to protect the rights and welfare of both employers and domestic workers.
Read also: Why Choose An Ethical Maid Agency?
The Blacklist Of Maid Agencies Were Issued With Written Warning(s)
- Abadi Employment Consultant Centre
- Asia International Employment Agency Company
- BOSS DRAGON EMPLOYMENT CENTRE LIMITED
- Fortune In Employment Agency Co.
- FUJIAN HUMAN RESOURCES (HK) COMPANY LIMITED
- Hoi Fung Maid Agency
- HouseMate Center
The Blacklist of Maid Agencies Whose Licences Were Revoked/Refused Renewal
Address: Shop 210C, Fa Yuen Street, Prince Edward, Kowloon.
Reason: Its sole director had been convicted under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.
The Role Of Labour Department Hong Kong
The Labour Department of Hong Kong is responsible for regulating and overseeing employment-related matters, including the recruitment and employment of foreign domestic workers. If a maid agency in Hong Kong is found to be engaged in misconduct, the Labour Department can take various actions, such as:
- Blacklisting: The Labour Department may blacklist or de-register a maid agency that has been found to be involved in serious misconduct or violation of the relevant laws and regulations. This means the agency will be prohibited from operating legally in Hong Kong.
- Penalties and Fines: The department can impose penalties and fines on errant maid agencies as a consequence of their misconduct.
- Suspension or Revocation of License: In severe cases, the Labour Department can suspend or revoke the agency’s license, preventing them from operating as a recruitment agency for domestic workers.
- Legal Action: The department may pursue legal action against the agency if their misconduct involves serious offenses under the law.
It’s important to note that the specific actions taken by the Labour Department may vary depending on the severity and nature of the misconduct. If you have concerns or complaints about a maid agency’s conduct in Hong Kong, you should report the matter to the Labour Department, and they will investigate the issue and take appropriate action based on their findings and the applicable laws.
How can I avoid the “bad” maid agencies?
- Check the Labour Department’s website: The Labour Department of Hong Kong maintains a list of blacklisted maid agencies on its official website. Visit their website and look for any updated information about agencies that have been blacklisted or had their licenses revoked.
- Inquire with the Labour Department: If you cannot find the blacklist on their website or want to verify the status of a specific agency, you can contact the Labour Department directly. They should be able to provide you with information about any agencies that are on the blacklist.
- Seek recommendations and reviews: Before engaging any maid agency, ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have hired domestic workers in the past. Online forums or review websites may also have insights from other employers about their experiences with different agencies.
- Verify the agency’s license: All maid agencies in Hong Kong are required to be licensed. Ensure that the agency you are considering is registered and holds a valid license. You can cross-check this information on the Labour Department’s website or inquire directly with them.
- Read the employment contract carefully: If you decide to use a specific agency, review the employment contract they provide for the domestic worker thoroughly. Ensure that all terms and conditions are fair and in compliance with Hong Kong’s employment laws.
- Report suspicious practices: If you encounter any agency engaging in unethical or illegal practices, report them to the Labour Department immediately. By reporting such activities, you can contribute to protecting the rights of domestic workers and maintaining the integrity of the employment system.
- Seek assistance from reputable agencies: Opt to work with well-established and reputable maid agencies in Hong Kong. Reputable agencies are more likely to follow proper procedures, treat domestic workers fairly, and provide better support to both employers and workers.
Remember that hiring a domestic worker is a significant responsibility, and it’s crucial to ensure that the process is conducted ethically and legally. By staying informed and making informed decisions, you can help protect the rights and well-being of domestic workers while establishing a positive and respectful working relationship.
You might also be interested in:
- Essential Steps to Domestic Helper Visa Processing in Hong Kong
- Domestic Helper Contract and Work Visa Renewal
- Direct Hire On HelperChoice Platform
- Visa Processing For Domestic Workers
- 2023 Domestic Helpers Holidays
Looking for a domestic helper in Hong Kong?
Skip high placement fees and hire with confidence through HelperChoice. Browse verified profiles, connect directly, and manage your hiring process with ease.