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HELPER: live-in vs non live-in

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  1. #1

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    HELPER: live-in vs non live-in

    We are planning a move to Hong Kong in the next 6 weeks.
    We presently live in Macau, and helpers are usually not live-in.
    I hear that in Hong Kong most of the helpers are live-in.
    It is still possible to have a non live-in helper? I just can't imagine having someone else in my place all the time. I really do like my family time from dinner on. Our helper always left at dinner time.
    Also, the places in Hong Kong are much smaller that Macau, so the helper's room could be a good storage room......
    Any suggestions/information on this matter??
    Thanks


  2. #2

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    <sniped quote>
    @OP - good question though...as i was thinking of doing the same soon. i dont fancy a full time live in helper, and would prefer someone who comes in and takes care of cleaning, laundry, food shopping, cooking...and then leaves at night. i would think the helper would like this too considering it would give them more freedom...no?

    Last edited by shri; 29-10-2010 at 11:11 AM.

  3. #3

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    In Hong Kong, it is illegal to hire a helper (DH visa) and have them live out. Many people still do it, but if you get caught you will be fined and there is a high likelyhood that your helper will get fined and/or jailed and/or deported. All it takes is 1 person that is jealous of her to report her to the authorities.

    If you must have live out, you only have 2 choices:
    1) hire someone illegally and accept the risks that go with it. You will find many DHs will not accept this as it presents a big risk to them.
    2) find someone who has a visa that is not a DH visa. This is a bit hard to do and would be a lot more expensive.

    HC

    BenderBends likes this.

  4. #4

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    >> Any suggestions/information on this matter??

    Best you look for a place that has a smaller third room or a fourth room. If you have young kids, some families with limited space will bunk the helper in the kids room.


  5. #5

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    what about [mainland] chinese DH's? they also follow same visa rules?


  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by shri:
    some families with limited space will bunk the helper in the kids room.
    i saw this too when looking at homes. is that really normal? i cant imagine wanting my child sleeping in the same room as a DH, or vice versa. Im sure the DH's have needs to be alone at some point...otherwise the kids will always be watching whatever the DH is doing.

  7. #7

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    Or hire a part time maid, More expensive than a full time but at least you have your 'family time'


  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by BenderBends:
    what about [mainland] chinese DH's? they also follow same visa rules?
    Nationality doesnt matter. What type of visa they are on matters.
    If they have DH visa : Illegal to have them live out.

    HC

  9. #9

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    You can hire a local woman who have received government training; the government has a website for this: Smart Helpers

    There is no visa to allow Mainlanders to work as domestic helpers in Hong Kong.


  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by HowardCoombs:
    Nationality doesnt matter. What type of visa they are on matters.
    If they have DH visa : Illegal to have them live out.

    HC
    so is it illegal to hire a person to help you in your home life, who is not on a DH visa and not a HK local (i.e. a Chinese mainlander or SE asian?)

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