Procedure for employing a helper

We were impressed by a helper that we interviewed and have offered her the job, which she has accepted. Her current employer leaves Hong Kong at the end of March and she has to return to the Philippines. Does anyone know whether we can begin to process her papers now in Hong Kong or whether we must wait until she returns to the Philippines to begin the process? Thanks for any advice, we have never been through this before and don't know what we are doing!

How lucky you are :-)

Usually the helpers know what to do and organise all the papers themselves at the Immigration.

I am not an expert, but I believe you will be able to begin the process now before she exits Hong Kong, and then she will stay in the Philippines until her Visa comes through.

Agree with all the above. You start the paperwork before she leaves HK, and she will return from the Philippines when the approval comes through. You just need to fill in 4 copies of the standard contract (green colour) that's obtained from Immigration, fill in a sponsorship form and another form for the levy. But you don't pay the levy now - you pay when the approval comes through. You also need to provide a copy of your HKID, an original (plus a copy of same) of a proof or address (eg. a utilities bill in your name, otherwise you have to provide copy of marriage certificate) and proof of income (either most current tax bill or bank statement or work contract with info of salary). Those are basically all the documents you need. Your new helper should be able to get them all for you and get them to the Immigration. They know the drill. You're very lucky indeed. All the best!

blcwc your advise as usual is absolutely spot on!! maqsr you are indeed very lucky to have found a helper. The only thing is that if your helper's current employers are leaving Hong Kong for good, she doesn't necessarily HAVE to go back to the Philipines, although she might want to. She is normally given an extension to stay on here until the visa approval comes through, if she does manage to find an employer before her existing visa expires.