Process of hiring a helper if her last contract was terminated

I have found a helper I would like to employ, but as she terminated her previous contract early (employer making unreasonable demands) do I have to go through an agency to employ her? Is this the norm? I really don't want to pay agency fees as I've done all the leg work and am prepared to help her with her paperwork.


My last helper I employed had finished her last contract, therefore did the paperwork herself and I thought it would be the same this time round.


If I did go through an agency, do they do anything else other than process papers/notarize at Philippine consulate and apply for HK visa? Are t here any extra services I can request from them to warrant paying them $3000?


Any information would be appreciated. Thank you!

As I recall (going from memory here) you have to go through an agency only if she has gone back to the Philippines. However don't quote me on that.


For other nationalities, I am not sure, except that Indonesian helpers must always be processed through an agency authorized by the Indonesian consulate.


"If I did go through an agency, do they do anything else other than process papers/notarize at Philippine consulate and apply for HK visa?"


Not really no.


"Are t here any extra services I can request from them to warrant paying them $3000?"


They can arrange for a medical check.

I am currently going through this, my helper terminated her previous contract due to being underpaid. It took 2 weeks to go through the consulate and it reached immirgration on Dec 10th I am still waiting for the visa. I had to go through an agent as the consulate made us. (Phillipphino) My agent thinks we will have our new helper by Feb 1st as long as she passes her medical test that she must have before returning