Transfer domestic helper from abroad to Hong kong (possible?)

[Rojak]

Dear All,

My family will be moving to Hong Kong soon. Will love for our current domestic helper to join us in HK (been with us in Singapore for 10 yrs). really appreciate some guidance:

1) has anyone done this before (transfer of maid from abroad)?

2) Can I transfer my helper directly from Singapore? or must my helper return home to Philippines first and then enter HK as a 'new' helper (we are trying to avoid this route)?

3)Wonder what estimated cost am i looking at to make this possible (if its too exorbitant, then it might not be doable -the kids will miss her much )

Appreciate any advise !

[rlin]

I did it. According to Philippine Embassy in HK, Philippine Nationals transferring from one job site to another Will have to go through the procedures based in the Phil requirements. She might be able to skip a few steps because of being an active Overseas Filipino Worker. It all depends on how proper her documentation is as an OFW.
It’ll be a big difference in processing in HK compare to SG. SG needs approval at MOM first and PH embassy can be defer for contract processing until she needs her home leave.
In HK on the other hand everything has to through the embassy first stamped and red ribboned before you can proceed to the immigration for application of work visa.
You will need a help from Agency which averages a cost of 7k HKD.
I can give you a further detailed info..if this doesn’t put you off

[Mary 2]

If you’ve employed her for ten years then it is worth quite a lot of money to keep her rather than employ an unknown quantity.

[Rojak]

Children are very adjusted to her and she has been a good helper.
My preference is to keep status quo as much as we can. She will provide the family especially the children with much needed stability during this stressful period of relocation.

[Rojak]

Hi rLin, Thank you for this precious information! It is a relieve to know that there could be a manageable way to resolve this.
Would love to have the contact details, please?
Big thanks!

Oh, by the way, are you in HK currently? I am also needing some info on house rental processes. gotten mixed information from Googling around. Some says needs to be in HK to process the rental agreement and others says one can do remote. Reason being, given the current COVID situation, i am hoping to spend the quarantine at home rather than spend the money renting a hotel space.

[HK_Katherine]

Hi rLin, Thank you for this precious information! It is a relieve to know that there could be a manageable way to resolve this.
Would love to have the contact details, please?
Big thanks!

Oh, by the way, are you in HK currently? I am also needing some info on house rental processes. gotten mixed information from Googling around. Some says needs to be in HK to process the rental agreement and others says one can do remote. Reason being, given the current COVID situation, i am hoping to spend the quarantine at home rather than spend the money renting a hotel space.

Just on the rental - I undertand the desire to quarantine at home, but consider that if you rent before seeing a place you could then be stuck there for 2 years with noisy neigbours or traffic or anything really. I would NEVER rent without seeing in HK. The quality of flats is highly variable and most agents lie (websites, for example, regularly put doctored photos up). Plus how will you get your stuff around you (a key benefit of quarantine at home) to arrive before you? And if you forget something, how do you get it as you won't be able to nip out to the shops.....

A hotel quarantine would like be much less stressful.

[rlin]

Hi Rojak,
I would agree with HK_Katherine in view of rental, I would suggest a physical visit before jumping into a contract.
For the transfer of your helper, We hired Amahnet Agency in HK, they were very efficient., you wouldn’t be able to process her employment until you have your HK ID, employment. Residential Adress,/proof of address ( e.g. utility bills) and the list goes on. You have to be settled first before you will be able to process her. You’re looking for atleast 3 months without her.

[Mary 2]

Filipino helpers now need a pre flight Covid test and two weeks in hotel paid by you. Home quarantine no longer allowed.

[acduche]

Hello

We are in the same situation and would like to transfer your helper. She is from Indonesia. All the information we have is to send her back to Indonesia but I feel it is not really safe for her if things do not work out as she might end up stuck there and not be able to work in Singapore anymore.
Did the agency help you? Did it work?

Thanks for your reply!

Anne

[Erik Chen]

Hello All,

I am in the same situation with Anna, really appreciate that anyone can share success case with procedure, also any agency in Singapore can assist

Thanks...Erik