The big issue with having a PT DH by the book is to make sure that they are not somebody elses FOREIGN DH, whose employment is exclusive to their sponsoring employer. If you want to make sure they are legal, they should have a perminant HK ID card. Most legal PT DHs are locals. I believe there is a HK government website where people can find legal part time domestic employees. (Can't remember what it is, perhaps someone here can help or I can ask at work next week).
However, lots of people employ somebody elses foreign domestic helper part time, on the side. The practice is entirely illegal, can result in some serious fines for the employer and employee and possible deportation of the employee, but lots of people do it anyway. Very rarely do you hear about problems with this kind of arrangement.
Pay rates vary depending on where you live, but range roughtly from HK$40-HK$120 per hour, with HK$60 being about the average rate paid.
RE: the skills and experience thing, don't expect too much. You're going to get someone who can iron, wash, cook and clean. Some are better than others, but its hard to tell from an interview. People seem to have good luck with helpers who have worked for friends/colleagues that are leaving HK. Also, if certain employers have been happy with their helper and are leaving HK, the employer may place an ad trying to find work for the helper, in which case you can speak directly with the previous employer. Other than that, its hard to tell and I've run across quite a few forged "reference" letters...its pretty obvious.
Originally Posted by redock:
I recently moved to HK and need to hire a part time DH -- but I need some guidance here. I've not been responsible for hiring the DH before, and from reading the forums/classifieds, things work a bit different here than in the UK.
For those of you with experience, can you help me with the following:
- What questions should I be asking potential DH's about their experience/skills?
- I'm just after someone who can work part time (such as mornings/afternoons a few times a week); what should I expect to pay?
- How honest are references here? What should I be asking the referees?
- People at work seem to be confused by the idea of a part-time DH, but I see plenty of listings in the Classifieds section. What responsibilities do I have as a PT DH employer? What questions should I be asking potential DHs to be clear on what my liabilities are?
- What other things should I be aware of or take into consideration?
Thanks in advance