Want to Hire a Helper - BUT ..........

Hi everyone ...


After a long time and thinking it over for several times I have decided to hire a full time helper.


I took a normal course ...of asking friends if they knew someone and any recommendations. Nothing worked out. Then next step was to browse websites like Asiaxpat and maids101.com.


After shortlisting an interviewing I found they were working in bigger houses. Let me clarify I live in Kowloon and our appartment is 900 sqft.only. So I can't let go of one room for just the maid. The moment they heard that they wont get one room for themselves, I could see the difference in their behaviour.


I am an Indian and most of the helpers would have to learn to cook. I would prefer someone who has some basic knowledge. Someone suggested to contact an agency in Tsim Sha Tsui ( since alot of Indian live there ) and the Philipina or Indonesian Helper would know basics.


Please suggest what way would be a good way and how I can get a good reliable maid. I have a One and half year old son. And I need someone.


Your suggestions will be a good input for giving me a direction.


Regards,

Shipps.

When you lodge the contract papers with Immigration you are going to have to convince them of the adequacy (privacy etc - a big issue in HK at the moment) of the helper's accommodation. I'm not sure that, "We don't have enough space" is reason enough not to meet the requirements for a full-time live-in foreign domestic helper.


As for reliability it can be the luck of the draw - unless you can check out and verify personal references from past employers. Although you might strike it lucky with a newbie the chances of success in this area lie with an experienced helper (who also knows her rights in terms of accommodation etc). So go to agencies, check listings of available helpers on the 3 (at least, including this one) websites and check those references carefully. The good helpers are out there looking for employers just as much as the not-so-good ones are. Good luck.

Hi,


There are families living in 650 to 790 sq ft houses with live in maids. As long as they can have a bed to them selves e.g. a loft bed where at the bottom you can put your child's toys etc, is very common. My suggestion is not to start the interview by mentioning there is o room, but mention in the end that you have to share the room with my baby or your bed will be in the baby's toy room or something like that.


All the best,


RD

My sister lives in a 650 square feet apartment and they were able to hire a full time helper. As long as you can have a place for her to sleep, like sharing a room with your child, it would be ok. Or you could contact my sis agent, Mary at no. 6283 7299. Surely she could help you. Hope that helps and good luck.

thanks a bunch for the advices.

I will do as you all have suggested.