Posted by
muppin
15 yrs ago
Moving to HK from the USA in May 2011. We would like to live in the midlevels area, preferably in a serviced, furnished apartment with our toddler and infant.
Few of these apartments seem to have rooms for a domestic helper. Do we have to choose between a serviced apartment and one where we could have a live-in helper for our children? Or do serviced apartments with maid's ensuites exist?
Thanks!
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There is actually no requirement for the helper to have her own room. The requirement is for "suitable and furnished accommodation". This can be an alcove for example. As long as she has a real bed/mattress and privacy is possible. A room is preferable of course.
I know helpers who live in a walk-in closet or other storage area. In fact some of those closets are larger than many designated "maid's rooms". Many helpers also sleep with the children.
As long as you make a real effort towards providing decent accommodation and make the conditions clear during the interview, I think many helpers would rather be more cramped and work for a nice employer than vice versa.
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Ed
15 yrs ago
I don't think serviced apartments have helper quarters because they assume most people will use their domestic help services... but you can always ask using the form at the top of this page http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/serviced.asp
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It might also be possible to find a helper who lives in her employer's apartment, but who is allowed to work freelance for other people. This is the arrangement that I had with my helper for several years, she lived in my apartment, and worked for a couple of other people as well. Strictly illegal, presumably, but as long as you have good trust with your helper, and it suits both of you, it can work.
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can't help w/midlevels but we are currently staying at the repulse bay on the south side serviced apt -- 2 br plus study/maids. they can put a cot in the study for the maid upon request
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I would highly recommend not following woods99 suggestion. Illegal as mentioned.
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&&&
15 yrs ago
Many of my friends have their helper live out in "Boarding Houses" in SheungWan, Wanchai, ShaukeiWan etc. These are tiny shared apts occupied by a few helpers each has own bunk beds and closets, with shared kitchen and bath.
But the helpers mostly can do anything after dark eg have a partime job after dark working in bars, clubs, joints. And the mobility job-change rate is higher than if they live with the family as it is a rather complicated world after dark in areas serving alchohol. Phillipine Helpers are usually young women from farming communities in Phillipines. And if caught, these girls do go to jail too.
If not caught, the complexities of nightlife can be confusing if surrounded by others who work this way.
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Yikes, sounds like it can get complicated. We want to do things legally, I think... whoever we hire is going to be taking care of our children, and we don't want to set a bad precedent. Importantly, in moving to Hong Kong we'd like to experience the city -- be able to go out for dinner, etc, and have someone we trust staying home with the kids.
We'll likely just have to adjust to having someone live in close quarters with us... see how it goes, I guess?
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muppin, once here I suggest you buy the book "Hiring and Managing Domestic Help". It goes through the legalities as well as (obviously) how to hire and manage.
Regarding the close quarters, this is typically less of an issue than newcomers think. Remember that she is not a house guest but an employee. You don't have to socialize unless you want to. A good helper knows how to be discreet, even "invisible" when needed. Set clear boundaries and communicate clearly and you can avoid most issues. Also, think of the advantages. You'll always have an evening babysitter that your kids know well for example.
Despite the fact that many do so, it is illegal for Foreign Domestic Helpers to live outside the employer's residence. This is presumably to protect them from having to spend their money on rent.
"Phillipine Helpers are usually young women from farming communities in Phillipines. "
I don't agree. While the largest portion are in their twenties, a significant percentage are older. Also I wager at least half are from larger cities.
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Yes it is technically illegal for those helpers to live outside. But in practice many of them do. It is not quite clear whether the employer or the helper bears the responsiblity in case she gets caught though since there has been not much precedence.
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The fact that many live out anyway does not make it a good idea.
The government can deport and fine the helper, fine the employer and forbid said employer from hiring a helper again for a period of time. In practice I think they mostly fine the employer.
Apart from illegality, another bad thing about live-out is that the helper has to pay rent and travel costs. Most employers with this arrangement will not compensate for these costs. Also, her time dedicated to work, which for most helpers is long anyway, will be lengthened further by the commute.
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