In Hong Kong, most working parents, including local residents, mainland Chinese families, foreign expats, hire a migrant domestic worker to take care of their children and share they burden of household work. If you are a new expat in Hong Kong, you may wonder if you also need a domestic helper for your children. Here are some factors to consider when making this decision:
Eligibility of becoming an employer: To hire a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong, it is important to be a resident of Hong Kong with a valid Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID). If you are in Hong Kong on a tourist visa, you will not be eligible to hire a foreign domestic worker, which can be frustrating for those planning to relocate. One approach to overcome this is to engage in a direct hire process where you find the suitable candidate, sign the contract, and have the visa application prepared before your arrival. This way, the domestic helper will be able to start working with you within a month or two of your arrival.
In terms of income, another requirement for expats to employ a foreign domestic helper is that the household’s monthly income should exceed HK$15,000 or that you possess comparable assets to support the domestic worker throughout the entire two-year employment contract period. Additionally, the Immigration Department emphasizes that the employer’s “bona fides,” or credibility and good faith, should not be questionable. This means you should not have been previously blacklisted from employing a domestic worker due to issues such as live-out arrangement, abuse, underpayment, and other related concerns.
As an employer, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with all your responsibilities and the rights that domestic workers are entitled to, including minimum wage, rest day, visa application, mandatory helper insurance and etc, as per Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government’s guidelines.
Work commitments: If both you and your partner have demanding work schedules or if you anticipate needing extra help or household services due to work-related responsibilities, having a domestic helper can provide support in caring for your child and running household errands for you when you are working in the office.
Childcare needs: Consider the age and needs of your child. Younger children often require more hands-on care and supervision, while older children may be more independent. Assess your child’s daily routine, activities, and any special needs they may have to determine if hiring a domestic helper will be beneficial for your family.
Support network: Evaluate the availability of family members or close friends who can provide assistance and support in caring for your children. If you have a strong support network in Hong Kong, you may not necessarily require a domestic worker.
Lifestyle and personal preferences: Consider your family’s and your lifestyle, preferences, and the type of support you desire for your children. Some parents prefer having a dedicated caregiver to ensure their children’s needs and special diets are met consistently, while others may opt for alternative childcare arrangements like daycare or part-time babysitters.
Cultural norms and local practices: It’s important to consider the cultural norms and local practices in Hong Kong. Hiring domestic helpers is a common practice for many local Chinese and expat families in the city, and they can offer valuable support with childcare, household chores, and other responsibilities.
Financial considerations: Hiring a domestic worker involves additional expenses, including salary, benefits, and agency fees. Assess your budget and determine if you can comfortably afford the costs associated with employing a domestic worker.
It is advisable to thoroughly research and weigh the pros and cons of hiring a foreign domestic helper for your children. If you decide to employ one, ensure you establish clear expectations, provide proper guidance, and maintain open communication to build a positive working relationship centered on your children’s well-being.
How Can A Helper Take Care Of Your Children?
A domestic worker can play a vital role in taking care of your children by providing support, supervision, and assistance with their daily needs. Here are some ways a domestic worker can help care for your children:
Supervision and safety: A domestic worker can ensure the safety and well-being of your child by providing constant supervision, particularly when you are busy or not at home. They can monitor your child’s activities, health, prevent accidents, and create a secure environment.
Daily routines: A domestic work can help establish and maintain daily routines for your child, including waking up, getting ready for school, meals, homework, playtime, and bedtime. They can ensure that your child’s schedule is followed consistently.
Meal preparation: A domestic worker can assist with meal planning and preparation for your child. They can cook nutritious or special meals, considering any dietary restrictions or preferences your child or your other family members may have. They can also encourage healthy eating habits and teach basic cooking skills to older children.
Personal hygiene and grooming: A domestic helper can assist with your child’s personal hygiene routines, such as bathing, brushing teeth, and getting dressed. They can also teach your child about good hygiene practices and develop their independence in self-care as they grow older.
School support: If your child is of school-going age, a domestic helper can provide support with their educational needs. They can help with homework, oversee study time, and ensure assignments and projects are completed on time. They can also communicate with teachers and attend parent-teacher meetings on your behalf if needed.
Emotional support: A domestic helper can provide emotional support to your child by being a caring and compassionate presence in their life. They can listen to your child, offer encouragement, and provide a nurturing environment. Building a positive and trusting relationship with your child can contribute to their emotional well-being.
Engaging in activities: A domestic helper can engage your child in age-appropriate activities, such as playing games, doing crafts, reading books, and going on outings. They can also facilitate social interactions by arranging playdates with other children or taking your child to community events and activities.
Transportation: Depending on your child’s age and activities, a domestic helper can assist with transportation to and from school, extracurricular activities, and appointments. They can ensure that your child arrives safely and punctually at their destinations.
It’s important to establish clear communication and expectations with your domestic helper regarding your child’s care. Regularly discuss your child’s needs, routines, and any specific instructions or guidelines you have. Encourage open communication and provide feedback to ensure that the care provided aligns with your expectations.
How To Find A Foreign Domestic Helper In Hong Kong?
Maid agencies: Ensure that you engage a legal and licensed maid agency with a good reputation. You can check the Hong Kong Labour Department website for any blacklisted agencies, indicating past violations of the code of conduct. It is important to be cautious with such agencies. It is also advisable to choose an ethical maid agency that does not charge domestic helpers any placement fees or fees disguised as training or health checkup.
Online platforms: Make use of online platforms like social media groups, job portals, and dedicated domestic helper websites such as HelperChoice. HelperChoice offers a convenient online platform for foreign domestic helpers matching services. Employers can register an account and post job ads for free. Employers can also filter and review domestic helper profiles based on criteria like year of working experience, age, nationality, cooking skills, employment contract status (finished contract, break contract, terminated contract or overseas contract), current living region, any reference letter from the previous employer. Once you decide to hire a domestic worker, you may contact HelperChoice team to process helper’s employment contract and visa application for you at the Immigration Department of Hong Kong. If you apply for an overseas domestic worker’s visa, it will take around 3 months time to complete the process at the Immigration Department. If your domestic worker is already in Hong Kong and has finished employment contract, the visa processing time will be shortened to 6 weeks.
Referrals: Ask friends, relatives, or colleagues who have had positive hiring experiences with foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong for recommendations. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights and help you find reliable candidates.
Why HelperChoice?
HelperChoice is a licensed and ethical maid agency by the Labour Department in Hong Kong since 2012. It has been serving more than 75,000 employers and working closely with local NGOs, such as Enrich Hong Kong, Help For Domestic Workers and PathFinders.