(Updated on 13 February 2026)
What is Direct Hire?
Direct hire means to only use a domestic helper agency for processing helper visa and the employment contract.
Your agency will first collect the necessary documents from both the employers and the worker. Then, the agency will need to submit a visa application to the Immigration Department for the helper. After the visa is issued, the agency then needs to submit the 4 original copies of the Standard Employment Contract (SEC) to the helper’s Consulate in Hong Kong for contract verification.
See also: Essential Steps to Domestic Helper Visa Processing in Hong Kong
If you haven’t found a domestic helper you want to hire yet, you can use online platforms like HelperChoice to find a match. These platforms let you have the autonomy to contact and interview domestic helpers directly.
Benefits of Direct Hire for Domestic Helpers
- Saves time.
For finished contract (change of employers), you are not required to use an employment agency to process the hiring. In fact, you can do it yourself. You can download the necessary documents from the Immigration Department and from respective consulates, fill out the forms and make an application.
Although this do-it-yourself way costs you the least, it costs time for those who have no idea how to do it. It may take a while before understanding the hiring process.
Also, as the Immigration Department and Consulate remain largely offline, meaning they require physical copies of documents, you would have to spend some travelling time between your place and their offices.
- Avoids tedious paperwork.
The hiring process of a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong involves various forms and documents. Figuring out what you need may be tough. The guidelines on the Internet, even the ones put out by the government, may not be adequate, accurate or updated. Sometimes employers may need to speak to an officer to understand what’s needed.
Hence, the paperwork can be daunting. Not to mention the processing time will surely be delayed if documents are missing.
- Allows you to have more candidates to choose from.
Direct hire means that you don’t need the agency to find you a domestic helper. One of the disadvantages of hiring through a traditional agency is that you get limited choices of candidates to choose from.
Direct hire then lets you choose to hire someone your friend recommends or someone you find through other channels, such as online platforms. The pros of online hiring platform include having a lot more domestic helpers to choose from. Platforms such as HelperChoice allows you to find, contact, and interview domestic helpers directly and unlimitedly.
- Allows you to get to know more about the helper before hiring her.
Being able to contact and interview candidates directly also means that you can get to know your prospective employee’s background and personality.
More importantly, having the flexibility to discuss topics like expectations from both can reduce the chance of misunderstanding and conflicts.
- Lets you make sure the hiring is ethical and transparent.
Direct hire offers you huge autonomy in the hiring process. You have the capacity (and responsibility) to make sure that your domestic helper is not overcharged with placement fees and her rights are well-protected, given that migrant workers are often exploited.
Free from debts and knowing that her rights are being valued would definitely let your domestic helper perform better at her job.
Benefits of Direct Hire through HelperChoice
- Hire from home!
You can create a free account on HelperChoice helper matching platform and browse verified helper profiles. Once you have found a suitable candidate, HelperChoice can process the paperwork for you remotely. Their team will send over the documents directly to your place or your office so that you don’t have to take time out of your schedule to visit our office. - No hidden or extra fees needed.
The package price is exactly the amount charged. No other fees are needed. - Insurance and training course available.
Some of HelperChoice direct hire packages include 2-year mandatory domestic helper insurance. You can also choose the package that includes online legal advisory, medical check-up and financial literacy certification for your domestic helper. - Dedicated support.
HelperChoice has a dedicated team that helps you process helper visa and the helper employment contract.
If you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact us via Whatsapp or visit our Direct Hire Package For Filipino Maids for more information.
Check out Visa Processing Fees For Filipino Helpers!