Feeling sooooo guilty!

It is true that she will have to pay a substantial fee if she has to leave and re-enter. The consulates will not process the helpers unless they get kick backs from the agents representing the ladies - and you cannot get processed without an agent helping out so its a classic Catch 22.


This is a product of corruption in the Indonesian consulate in HK and in Jakarta - we have reported this to the ICAC but they are unable to act because of the diplomatic immunity that covers these scum bags. The problem is that if they take action then likely the king rats will be repatriated but they will be replaced by another pack of rats.


It is a sickening situation and unfortunately there is nothing you can do to assist your helper with getting around this. The only suggestion I would have to help you with the guilt is to perhaps help her out with the money she will need to pay for processing fees when she finds a new job.

why don't you pay for it?!

Hi knieriaw,

I'm certainly not trying to pile on more guilt, but just want to add my 2 cents' worth. Bear in mind that if she's only worked for you for 6 months, then she'd probably not "been paid" yet as new maids have to pay $21,000 to their pimps to get a job in HK. They have to repay $3000 @ month for the first 7 months of their time in HK, leaving them with change only. You said that she's got several job offers already. One thing you could do to help her is to find an agency that doesn't charge as much to process her visa for another job. I know she's told you she wants to go back to Indonesia, but that's a standard reply in order to help you 'save face' and to not make you feel so bad. Who would want to have come to HK and work for 6 months for nothing, and then going home with nothing to show????? They come here with the intent of working hard to save money, and are willing to forego the first 7 months of pay just so they can start saving from the 8 months onwards.


Don't feel guilty about it, just give her practical help in getting another job without being fleeced for another 3 months' pay (she still has to repay the loanshark for the 7th month, with or without a job). I may be able to recommend an agency that only charges employers $4000 to process visas for Indonesians in HK. Well, when I asked them before, the agent claimed that they don't charge the helpers anything, but then again, I only take their word with a pinch of salt. Explore a couple more avenues and see what you both can come up with so your helper can continue in HK and earn some money befor going home.