quickest processing you've heard of

I am about to sign a FDH who was terminated. I have interviewed her and checked everything out and am comfortable hiring her even though she was terminated.


I would just like to get everyone's consensus on how quickly you all got your helper's papers processed. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to get a helper super last minute. I am expecting a baby in July and just want to know how realistic I should be in terms of hoping she'll be able to start with me before the baby comes.


I will definitely include a letter from me and my doctor in terms of the urgency in the application.


What's the quickest you've heard of?

The quickest times in my experience whilst helping my clients is 2 weeks upon submitted the document with IMMD. So, approximately time needed 3 weeks. 1 week for the authentications in the consulate, than 2 weeks for IMMD. However, IMMD will treat the applications case by case, not always the same. Depending on the reason why the employer needed urgent.

Good to see you've checked things out. Curious how you verified her termination? We recently terminated our helper and I'd hate for her to lie to prospective employers about why we fired her. (Her lying was one of the reasons we did)

Since her employer did not want to be contacted for reference (apparently they're some really wealthy people with privacy issues) I was able to talk to the other helper who worked with her in the same household. She verified everything that happened. Then she also told me she will not be renewing her contract with them when her time is up. But most of all after interviewing over 10 helpers, I had the best vibe from her. And at this point I am so tired interviewing and will just take my chances.

By the way mldinhk, I also read your post on the other thread. now I'm a bit worried again. Can you message me in private and let me know which is your previous helper just to be sure? Thanks!

Although it takes some time to find the right helper, I would always be v wary of any helper who cannot provide the number of her employer and asks for another helper to give her a reference! Our first criteria in hiring a helper at the moment is that she must be able to give her employer's contact details so we can follow up if she is suitable.


If she is unable to provide that reference and we were sure of her in every other way I would expect a reference from the previous employer before her current job.


No reference speaks volumes.

I disagree with cheeky, especially with regards to helpers given the nature of their job market.


While there certainly is a lot of amah drama, there is also plenty of employer drama. I would trust a reference from someone I know and trust. A reference from someone I don't know from Adam is not terribly useful.


If a helper doesn't want you to contact a previous employer because the contract ended on bad terms, it could be the helper's "problem", but it could as easily be a bad employer.


Nothing beats a good impression at an interview.

Whilst I agree with axpatguy38 that there can also be employer drama how can you employ someone who help you take care of a newborn child who has no-previous employer reference? There will be other helpers looking for a job who have better credentials. I personally wouldn't want to take the risk.

Nothing beats a personal impression at a face to face interview.


I think it would actually be hard to find a person who would intentionally hurt a child.


If you do find a previous employer willing to say more in a positive way than just "she was a good helper", it's a good sign, but I still think that references should not be the biggest factor in hiring. If nothing else they can be faked without too much difficulty. How do you know who is at the other end of the phone?

I can see where both of you are coming from. I do wish I could get a reference from her previous employer. She did show me the termination letter her employer gave her with the full name of the employer. If I really wanted, I could find out more about the employer.


After interviewing so many helpers, most who worked with local Chinese families, I am amazed at how most of them start their day at 6am and don't end until close to midnight or even past that. Another one I interviewed said she is not given a day off once a week because her employer claims she can take them off at one go when they go abroad. And quite a few of them say they are not given enough food even though it is stated on their contract the amount that is supposed to be given per month. Its depressing hearing all of these stories during interviews.


But then again you have the other side. I've read all the horror stories written here on the forums and am just thankful my previous helper was not like that.


It is always easy enough for helpers to fake their backgrounds and experience, just like how employers can promise a helper things at the signing of a contract then do something completely different.


At this point after interviewing so many of them, I do feel the most comfortable with this one and can only hope for the best. She has 3 kids herself and that should be enough experience. I have also seen her cook and she is very confident in the kitchen. And most of all, its just the interview part that made me feel at ease. I am still keeping my options open by interviewing a few others who won't be finishing their contracts in the next month or so. If this one suddenly backs out or her processing turns awry, at least I will still have options.

tly, you definitely have the right attitude. Also, good management can make a huge difference in the demeanor and performance of a helper.

Have sent a PM. Please check !