my helper went back to the philippines for over 2 weeks for her annual leave and she's supposed to come back on tuesday but never showed up. there's no sms, no call, no nothing. i never expected this cos she looked happy and i don't think we have had any problems since she started working for me 3 years ago except for last year when it's about time to renew the contract, loan sharks called my home and asked to speak to her which i refused as i told her to NEVER give out my home no. to anyone so that guy just screamed at me saying my helper owes them money. i forgave her as she told me she needed money to rebuild her home in philippines after typhoon and i still asked her to renew contract and gave her salary advances so she could repay them. I just had a baby 4 months ago and i couldn't believe she would do something like this. before she left i gave her money to buy things for her daughter and literally 5 mins before she left, she asked for cash advance and i gave it to her. her stuff is still here and she's scheduled operation 2 days after she's supposed to come back to hk so i never thought she wouldn't return. is it about time to give up and start look for another helper? i'm so stupid still trying to find excuse for her. maybe she had accident???
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Have you reported her missing to Immigration here, has she any friends who might have heard from her?
If she hasn't turned up it might be an idea to postpone the operation, because you might have to pay a cancellation fee if she doesn't turn up on the day.
Helpers do all kinds of underhand things, and yes you have been a bit soft with this one, have you checked if anything has gone missing from you home?. There is always the chance of her having had an accident or sudden illness, so in the first place report her missing to Imm, not sure if you'll have to let the Phils consulate know as well, maybe somebody else will know that answer.
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Susie1, agree about postponing or cancelling the operation, and yes, some helpers might do underhand things, but the vast majority of them who we never get to hear about because that wouldn't make interesting reading spend every day (and night) of their working lives here doing the exact opposite of underhand things, so your comment did come across as a bit damning for helpers in general.
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if you used an agency to process hiring, they will have an emergency contact number in their file. One of the forms filled out for the visa also asks for a contact number in the home country, I forget which one 988A or B. This is on file at the Immigration. Also the Consultate has emergency numbers in case of accident etc. I would start there and tell them she has not returned.
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lalib
15 yrs ago
Have you checked her room? Are most of her belongings still there or is it as though she had planned her departure.
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"She's due for an operation." Have you tried calling her? Something may have happened to her while in the Philippines.
Anyway, the only way to find out if your helper is back is to call the Immigration or pay them a visit and tell you story. Only them could tell you whether your helper is IN Hong Kong or not. Even the consulate can't give you that information. They, too could give you a sound advise on what to do next.
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she filed forms by herself and i didn't go through agency. i have to blame myself for relying too much on her and trusting her too much. yes, i've called her mobile, her auntie's mobile who went to the philippines with her, sent her email and as per the immigration officer's advice, sent her registered letter that i've been looking for her and she needs to call me back by this date otherwise i'd assume she's breaking her contract so as to protect myself. have also reported this case to the police, again to protect myself if she's to commit any crimes if she's still in hk. not sure if i need to inform the consulate though. rang the hospital on the day of surgery and they said no surgery scheduled for that person on such date!!! it's likely she cancelled the operation herself and planned her escape cos she did show me the paperwork and i did talk to the surgeon at the hospital. yes there're still her clothes in her room, toiletories, undies but no pics of her family which she used to hang everywhere. i did ask her how come she's cleared up her room so much and her answer's that i told her i might get another helper that's why she's finding space for her. never thought she'd not come back since she really needs the operation and i'm paying for it!!! i have finally given up on her and is actively looking for a replacement. SIGH!!!!
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I think you've done what you can do. It angers me to hear stories like this, especially on a public forum as it tends to paint the entire helper community in the same colour. I just wish some people, helper or not have a better integrity than just doing the Houdini act.
There's a reason behind her action, reasons that maybe only known to her. Whatever they are, it's still wrong, the least she could do is send you a message to let you know where she stands if it's too much for her to say it in your face.
On the other hand, I hope, health-wise, she's okay.
Good luck on your next help.
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There is just a thought, I wonder if she was truly terrified at the thought of having an operation, and cancelled it herself before she went to Fils if she is still there., I think you have done all that you can to inform the correct authorities about her going missing. Better luck with your next helper, if you don't need a full timer consider legal part timers, far less hastle,
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WOW!!! This sounds EXACTLY like my helper that left me before!! Same story.. She was perfectly fine, great w my kids, and loan sharks started calling my house too, shouting and cursing at me for her to pay up. She finally got herself together and was very apologetic! AFter a year or so, she too asked me for 2 weeks leave. However the only difference is I got an SMS on the day she was supposed to return saying she wouldnt be coming back to us! She had medical problems too! I took her to doctor after doctor trying to figure out what she had and we had an ultrasound scheduled for her when she was back, but obviously that didnt happen! Could this possibly be the SAME person hahaha... After a month of her leaving, we started getting calls from loan sharks again, this was her plan all along.. Just as she left she took out a loan and left, never to return! So melodyshophop beware.. I sugget let a month pass and see if you get calls from loan sharks again saying she owes money!
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sanjali.....you should count yourself lucky cos at least you got sms from her...mine didn't even bother with it!!! i treated her as part of my family and gave her whatever she ever asked for, ie salary advance, coming back late on sunday nights, etc. she left with my house keys too cos her flight arrived late in the evening and she said by the time she got home it'd be past midnight so she didn't want to wake me and my family. i have my locks changed and told the security guards downstairs to ban her from coming in the building. i still don't understand what drove her away....
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My case was my helper 'A' needed an minor operation and wanted to do it in her home town as she would feel more comfortable with her family caring for her afterwards and that 2 weeks would be enough. After 3 weeks, heard nothing and called her home but was unable to reach her personally and got lots of lame excuses from her family. Finally after 2 months, one of her friends called me and said 'A' would like to come back to work for me, but by that time, I had already got myself another new helper. Very funny way of dodging responsibilities and at that time (years back) I didn't even know that I had to inform immigration or such - I just thought OK, she's not coming back and I need someone to help me with the housework so I just hire another person. Luckily there was not any trick involved or I would have gotten myself into trouble.
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okay my helper finally called me yesterday after i rang her auntie who's back in hk asking her what does her niece want to do and that i've gone to the police (left out the details tho) and she still has my key to my home which she'd better return. her explanation is that she's hospitalised the day she landed and she had 2 operations since. as for why she didn't bother texting me that she's not coming back -- she lost her sim card!!! she's quite apologetic and asked if i'm angry with her. i reckon she's worried knowing i went to the police and that i may take legal action against her that's why she called back since she probably wants to come back to hk to work one day. i asked her if she wants to come back and she said she will let me know end of the month....how can i trust this person again?!
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I don't think you can trust her again, IF?? it was true and she had an operation, then there is always some way a relative could contact you if she was serious about keeping her job. She could be a serial scammer, like Sanjali and vipers ex-helpers, who knows could be the same person. I would carry on with what ever actions you were going to take, and also find a new hopefully more honest helper. good luck.
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Agree with Susie1. You should ask her to return the extra cash she took from you and sign the release letter stating that all her dues are clear. I would not be too fussed about getting the money back (if it aint a very big amount) but she has to realise that she owes the amount to you and cannot get away with it.
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Saw this email, and sorry to hear about your DH problems. Wondering if we can help.
Changes in family circumstances (our babies have grown up and will both be attending primary school in Fall 2010) mean that we will be downsizing from two maids to one. Our second maid, Florida is trustworthy and has provided very good service and so we are keen that she is suitably placed with another HK based family.
Please contact me by return if you would like further details/ an employers reference. We havent yet placed a DH ad for her yet, but are about to.
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hi parkroadmama....yes i'm interested...i've sent you a message with my mobile no. kindly give me a ring when you're free? thanks!!
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Hi, many if not most the DH's in HK are in desperate need of money, why else would they leave their home and loved ones to work in our polluted city and often not be treated well at all. You sound like a caring and honest person, it's warming to hear there are still some out there who show humanity and care for those in their charge. As I am sure you do, I hope your helper is well but I can see that she may feel she has pushed the limits of your trust and generosity passed the point where she can face you and is too embarrassed to talk to and cannot repay you. She should not expect you to hold her position indefinitely and you will have to look for a replacement sooner than later. Good luck!
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