domestic helper problem

I have been given erroneous advice by the agent that it is legal for the domestic helper to live out if I rent accomodation for her. After I heard conflicting information on this issue, I've checked ID website and found out that this is not a legal option. I talked to the agent again, she said she would ask ID and then after she confirmed it was indeed not an option for helper to live out even though my place is too small.


The problem is that due to erroneous info from the agent I've told the helper that I will hire her (nothing was signed though) and I really feel bad about current situation. She seems to be very, very nice and I feel so sorry about this. She had to return to the Philippines, and there is no way she could live with me in my current place. I've considered renting a bigger flat, but the market has gone up quite a lot, so that is out of the question. Is there any way to help her find a better agent because that one is giving out misleading information and doesn't seem to care much (she didn't even notify her about what happened!). Or if anyone here is looking for a helper, I can give you her phone number in Philippines for an interview.

I thought that I had seen on one of our forums a comment from someone that you can apply to the immigration dept to allow your helper to live out.... might want to give a call to the immigration dept to check on this

Yes ED you better check it out for us. I really doubt it and especially when you said your place is too small, you can get away from it. Because that can apply to almost everyone in Hong Kong. The rule only changed recently (2003) and I dont think ID wl be so generous to loosen in such a short period.

I checked with Immig. Dept., it is not possible. The question is, can I do anything to help her find another employer (she is now in Philippines), since she is really nice, and her agent is not very good.

Well there are thousands of girls in the Philippines waiting to get a job, how many can you help? I dont mean to hurt your personal feeling of liking her, but what I said is the reality. There are some rotten helpers, but most of them are very nice and hardworking. Everyone has their own life, just like you and me.

Mind you, they have a much wider network than us. She wants something, she wl find it.