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live-out helper

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ORIGINAL POST
Posted by Fredh 16 yrs ago
Hi ,


I am about to become a single mum and I am currently looking at hiring a full time helper as I will have to go back to work after my maternity leave. I only have a one bedrrom flat, cannot get out of my lease before the end of August. Having a live-in helper would be very unpractical both for her and me. I have interviewed a few girls from the Philippines and some assured me that despite the immigration regulations it is rather common for expats to have a live-out helper.


I have been in Hk for less than 6 months and I am not sure how flexible the law is here. Anyone for advice? Does the immigration department run regular check ups? What are the consequences if I get caught? Also, the helper I am thinking of hiring is asking for 5000 HK/ month including accommodation and food allowance, is it a reasonable price? Is it possible to hire a local person? If yes How?

Thank you for your advice.
 
 
ED's NOTE - you can find more information on helpers living out in HK on this thread

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COMMENTS
jassy67 16 yrs ago
Yes, it is completely illegal. But, I must say there are many expats who do have live-outs, myself included. We do have a fold out bed and a cupboard for some of her belongings, in the case Imm. ever checked, but also, there are occassions she spends the night with us.

We pay $1,000 a month for the boarding house and $3,500 for salary. She eats her meals at our home. So, $5,000 a month inclusive of rent is a fare rate.

Many expats are used to more space than HK flats have, and also privacy, so I think that is why we tend to prefer live-outs. Immigration thinks the helper can sleep on the sofa or in the kitchen, if you have a small flat. I don't think that is very considerate.

The fine is large and can be jail time, I understand.

Approximately, 80% of our our friends, have a live out

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mothercricket 16 yrs ago
i think it would be better if you can leave the baby to a caring facility. i forgot what its called. Here in japan you can leave a 2 month old baby to that facility (i think by law its supposed to be two babies per carer).
 
Especially for those mums who can't afford to miss anymore work this is the best option. usually here the waiting lists are long specially those that are located near train stations. you drop the baby off at 7:30 or 8 am and pick her up at 9 pm.
 
Perhaps there is something similar there in Hong Kong.
 

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crispina 16 yrs ago
Hi All,

Live out is not illegal at all if u have permit from immigration Dept. Additional form is available to fill in. Employer will have to write supporting letter, explaning the reason why. FDH will provide the adress of her accomodation. I hope this help.

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evildeeds 16 yrs ago
"What are the consequences if I get caught?"


HK$50,000 fine and 2 years free board and accommodation at the expense of the HK government with a kicking out of HK after this has been served.


In the last 5 years I have not seen anyone get approval from IMMD for live out. There have been cases in past few years where people have been caught out and it's usually because they have been reported to the authorities. Be aware that HK IMMD do not just do a surprise visit, they will gather evidence over a period of time so if you do have that knock on the door whether you have a bed and some clothes will be of little relevance.

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Ed 16 yrs ago
For peace of mind perhaps worth considering Merry or Sparkle Maids rather than risk a helper living out (or an illegal part time helper) - the other advantage of hiring through these companies is that if you are not happy with a helper you are not committed to a long term contract with a specific helper...


http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/helpers/

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Fredh 16 yrs ago
Thank you all for your advice. I am less inclined to hire a live-out DH. Ed mentionned peace of mind and that is important and priceless. Now as I understand my options are

-a part time helper but how can it be illegal as they would have a visa or be a resident to be living in HK? ( I am referring to Ed's: " An illegal part time helper")

- a full time HK resident through the labour department? Are there any agencies specialised in local DH, any Internet sites?

I also checked Sparkle and Merry Maids I understand they do not cook or look after children/babies. They only do some cleaning- for reasonable prices-

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mamadavid 16 yrs ago
Regarding Ed's suggestion to try one of the temp agencies: these maids do not perform child care, cooking or pet care duties.

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axptguy38 16 yrs ago
"I also checked Sparkle and Merry Maids I understand they do not cook or look after children/babies. They only do some cleaning- for reasonable prices-"


I did not just hear you say that Merry Maids have reasonable prices. At those prices a full time live in helper is a fantastic bargain.

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Scuba chick 16 yrs ago
I am a single mum in HK. Am happy for you to PM me. I have a live out, can share the good and the bad

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