Domestic Helpers

Many families coming to Hong Kong are initially resistant to the idea of inviting an outsider into the family unit. However, it becomes clear that household help gives the family much more free time to experience Asia and adapt to Hong Kong's busy life style.

The vast majority of domestic helpers are female and Filipina, although Thai, Chinese (known as amahs), Indonesian, Sri Lankan and Indian helpers are also employed. Broadly speaking, Chinese amahs know Hong Kong, get better bargains and can help you with your Cantonese, although there are not many Chinese amahs around these days. Filipina helpers speak better English and have a more western approach to children and are good with pets, too. Sri Lankans and Thais can be very useful in the kitchen.

Also remember that most domestic helpers have a sense of dignity and pride about doing a job well.

The Employer's Ten Commandments

1. Your helper is not your friend - you do not have enough in common.
2. Do not get involved in your help's personal problems.
3. Never think - just this once' - the helper is likely to think in terms of precedents.
4. Make instructions clear and give repeated demonstrations.
5. Keep it simple - you do not have to explain the reasons behind every instruction.
6. Never accuse the helper directly or put them on the spot unless you are prepared to lose them.
7. Be explicit - your helper shouldn't have to second guess your instructions.
8. Never discuss your helper in front of anyone else's helper.
9. Never expect your brand of logic from your helper - the cultural differences are too great.
10. Remember your helper should be treated with respect.

Helpers employed part-time usually do not cook, but will do general cleaning and laundry. The minimum wage is HK$50 an hour; most helpers also ask for travel expenses.

Full-time helpers

Full-time amahs or helpers work six days a week and their duties include cleaning, ironing, washing, cooking and help with the children. Many Hong Kong flats have small quarters for live-in domestic helpers, which must be furnished. These furnishings include a bed, chest of drawers, table and chairs or folding stools.

Employment

In choosing a helper for either part-time or full-time work, you should explore all the possibilities and interview a number of candidates. Check the bulletin boards at supermarkets and the classified adverts in the newspapers. MAKE SURE SUCH HELPERS ARE IN HONG KONG LEGALLY. Check they have a release paper from their previous employer, otherwise both you and the maid commit an offence.

There are agencies where photos can be viewed prior to employing staff from abroad. This can be expensive, though, particularly for the maid who is charged a hefty fee to get on the agent's books.

To employ a Filipino helper, you must follow these steps: To obtain an Employment Contract (four copies), either you or the helper has to go to the Immigration Department at Wanchai Tower II, 7 Gloucester Road, Wanchai.

Labour Department Tel: 2717 1771

* (Open Monday to Friday 8:45am to 4:30pm; Saturday 9:00am to 1:00pm) When the Employment Contracts have been completed, take them to the Philippine Consulate along with HK$425 (payable by the employer).

Philippine Consulate
6/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway
Tel: 2823 8500

Thai Consulate
Domestic helper hotline
Tel: 2521 6481

After approximately four weeks, the Immigration Department will notify the employer for an interview and checking.

To employ a helper of another nationality, fill out the Employment Contract and take it to the Labour Department to be inspected. Contact the appropriate consulate for further details.

Employees must have a full medical examination before signing a contract. The employer must pay for this, as well as for visas (HK$115 every year) and a new passport when it expires. When a new visa is applied for, the employer must send a supporting letter. The legal minimum salary for helpers is HK$3,670 and the minimum food allowance is a further HK$400, unless the helper eats the same food as the family. You are fully responsible for the medical care and insurance of your domestic helper.