[jools]

Hi everyone,
I have recently moved to Discovery Bay and having now settled in I need to start looking for a helper. At the moment I only want a part time person, though this may increase to full time once my baby is born and I find out how difficult it is to look after a toddler and a new baby on my own.

Can anyone give me advice about who to contact in Discovery Bay about helpers; I have heard that it is pretty easy to get one here, but I don't know where to start.

Thanks

Jools

[rani]

Have you tried the notice board in the residents club? I believe you can put a sign up.

Rani

[JennyB]

I believe the residents club don't like to accept adverts for part-time work, because it's technically illegal, although in practice everybody does it. Most of the part-time work is arranged by word of mouth, personal recommendations. I know a few helpers looking for extra part-time work so you can send me a private message via this website if you like - just click on my user name.

[rani]

Just saw an ad in InsideDB for local domestic helpers at $45/hour.

The company is www.homeasydb.com

[jools]

Hi,
Thanks for the replies. I am still very confused about what you can and can't do (what is legal and what is not). It seems such a huge headache, when all I really want is someone to clean and do the laundry for a few days a week, so that I can focus on the children,

Jools

[rani]

Jools,

Taken from the "Guidebook for Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad"

The Helper (FDH) and the employer shall enter into a standard Employment Contract (ID407) as specified by the Director of Immigration.

The FDH shall onlybe required to perform domestic duties for the employer.

The penalty for hiring a part-time FDH is $350,000 and three years' imprisonment.

More information on the Gov't site http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/topical_8.htm

Rani

[rani]

Sorry I didn't get to finish my msg above.

In any case, most people do take the risk and hire part-time foreign help. There are local domestic helpers, however communication maybe a problem.

HTH

Rani