[Rocketdog]

Is it possible to find Mandarin-speaking helpers in Hong Kong?

Looks like most people rely on helpers from the Philippines or Indonesia, but I wonder if any agencies provide Mainlanders -- or is it virtually impossible for them to get visas?

[HKfornow]

I originally tried to find a mandarin speaking mainland helper as well, but I was told by agencies that it would be illegal for me to do so. . .and supposedly immigration would never approve it.

However, I now have a lady who does part-time work and is Indonesian/Chinese (HK Citizen), & I end up communicating with her in Mandarin vs. English. I also know one of my son's school friend hired a local helper who speaks Mandarin & Cantonese. . . .

I have also seen Indonesian & Filipino helpers who have previously worked in either Singapore or Taiwan that have picked up mandarin quite well, don't know if that would be good enough for your purpose.

[2boys]

Hi

I'm also looking for a part-time helper who speaks Mandarin and wondered how to go about looking for one?

Thanks

[nicolejoy]

My friend was telling me about a Hong Kong Government subsidised program to get local women working in part time domestic helper jobs. She hired a lady that mainly speaks Mandarin - she was originally a mainlander. I think you can also hire Cantonese speakers through the same programme...

I don't really know many details about it - has any one else heard of it? I can email my friend and get some info though!!

[Corina]

Hi Nicolejoy, I'd appreciate it if you could get your friend's info for me - thanks!

[nicolejoy]

I've emailed her - I hope to hear back from her soon!!

[nicolejoy]

Ok - this is the reply from my friend:

For the training program for local housekeepers you need to contact The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong at: 2479-7383.

I think that "local" just means Chinese - because my friend's helper is a mainlander who is now living in Hong Kong...

Call the number and see if they can give you more info! If you need anything else, just ask and I can ask my friend again...

[Corina]

Thanks, nicolejoy!