Things to Consider When Using Foreign Domestic Helpers Employment Agencies

There is a trend among HK employers of hiring foreign domestic helpers(FDH) directly recent years, but many potential employers are still preferring to use the services of FDH employment agencies due to their limited time and inexperience. There are over 1,400 licensed employment agencies providing FDH services in Hong Kong, the service fees ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. The quality of service among these agencies varies, so how should employers select a right agency?

Choose Licensed Domestic Helper Agencies

All FDH employment agencies must apply for a license from Labour Department before legally operating. The agency's license needs to be renewed annually, and the list of agencies with approved licenses is published in the gazette and can also be checked on the Labour Department’s website (www.eaa.labour.gov.hk) by searching for the agency's name or other relevant information. Starting from the end of 2018, the Labour Department also began to announce annually of a list for those agencies which convicted, revoked, refused a license, or given a warning by Labour Department in last year. Additionally, if an agency deals with Indonesian or Filipino FDH, they must be accredited by the respective consulates in Hong Kong. If an agency collaborates with a foreign employment center, employers can verify the authenticity and background of the agency through online sources. Therefore, before engaging an agency's services, it is essential to check and verify the information.

Seek Recommendations from Third Parties

The best approach is to inquire with family members or friends who have previously used such services to get referrals for reputable agencies. There are also online forums and groups that openly discuss the services and fees of different agencies, but please note that online reviews may not always be reliable and should be treated as reference only.

Paying Attention to the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies from Labour Department

When dealing with domestic helper employment agencies, employers should pay attention to whether the company complies with the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies from Labour Department, which includes providing complete and accurate information about the FDH, clearly stating all terms in the service agreement, such as refund and replacement arrangements, and providing detailed information on charges and services. All of this should be presented in writing, and it is recommended to have a written service agreement or contract even if the agency makes verbal promises. Employers should also make sure to obtain receipts after signing and making payments. If any of the above information is inaccurate, it may be a violation of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, and employers can report such cases to the Customs and Excise Department.

Beware of Restrictive Clauses

Don't only focus on low service fees; carefully review the terms and conditions. Some agencies may advertise a full refund if the hiring is unsuccessful, but there are often many restrictions. For instance, there have been cases where the refund clause only covered situations where the helper failed to enter Hong Kong but did not include cases where the helper could not exit their country. If you have any questions about the details, be sure to inquire with the agency.

Additional/Hidden Charges

Some agencies may charge additional fees for filling out forms or other administrative tasks outside of the contract. Always inquire before using such non-contractual services.

Consider Unbundling Services

There are various options for domestic helper insurance available in the market. Employers can consider purchasing insurance for their FDH directly.

We hope the above information proves useful in finding a highly responsible FDH through a reliable employment agency.

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The information provided in this article is for general reference only and should not be considered as any form of advice. Our company assumes no responsibility for its use.