Transfer vs Overseas Employment

It has been a number of years since we lived in HK so wanted to ask for info on a few questions. We have had domestic helpers before when we lived in HK but they were always hired from overseas

via an agency.We will be relocating to HK mid/end June. I would like to know the following if you are able to help:


Is there any cost difference in the intitial employment of a transfer vs overseas hire (agency fees, air tickets, government fees, maid

expected starting salary etc.)


Is there a time difference in the processing required to engage a transfer vs overseas hire and what is the timing required for each?


Is there any difference in the hiring process for helpers from Sri Lanka vs Philippines/Thailand which we have employed before?


Any feedback much appreciated.

"Is there any cost difference in the intitial employment of a transfer vs overseas hire (agency fees, air tickets, government fees, maid

expected starting salary etc.)"


Not really. You owe the travel to and from home even if she is in HK already. You can, granted, save the agency fee if she is already in HK and has a finished contract. But that's only a few thousand.


"Is there a time difference in the processing required to engage a transfer vs overseas hire and what is the timing required for each?"


No.


"Is there any difference in the hiring process for helpers from Sri Lanka vs Philippines/Thailand which we have employed before?"


Not as far as I know but not certain.

Thank you for this information. I thought it was the responsibility of the previous employer to pay passage back to the home country and my responsibility would be to pay for her to come to HK and at the end of the contract to pay for her return. Am I mistaken?


How do I end up saving "a few thousand" by employing a transfer helper? Don't I still have to go through an agency to employ her? As said we previously always employed helpers via an agency directly from their country (the helper had not worked outside of their country previously). We felt this was more suitable for us so that the helper would not need to "unlearn" and previous work habits/routines and this worked well for us. On this occasion we are trying to shorten the timeframe to employ a helper and have her assistance so we thought perhaps a transfer might be quicker? Very much appreciate any advice. Cheers

"thought it was the responsibility of the previous employer to pay passage back to the home country and my responsibility would be to pay for her to come to HK and at the end of the contract to pay for her return. Am I mistaken?

"


Correct. Sorry I was unclear. I mean travel to your home at the start of the contract and back home at the end. Note that this is door to door including food allowance, not just air ticket.



"How do I end up saving "a few thousand" by employing a transfer helper? Don't I still have to go through an agency to employ her?"


If she has finished her previous contract (not terminated early) you do not need to use an agency, so you can save the agency fee if you want.


Transfers are normally quicker yes.

Thanks axptguy38, nothing like on the ground, up to date info! Very much appreciated...and now for the difficult bit, finding someone with a good fit to our family! Cheers