Hiring a foreign domestic helper (FDH) for your Hong Kong home can be a smooth process — but it requires strict compliance with legal and procedural requirements. Whether you’ve found your helper independently or are hiring through an agency, working with a licensed and accredited agency ensures that all documentation, contracts, and visa applications are processed correctly, minimizing delays and legal risks.
✅ What Accredited Agencies Do
An accredited agency is officially recognized by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (IMMD) and, when relevant, Philippine authorities (POLO/Department of Migrant Workers). They provide professional services that include:
- Preparation and submission of visa applications: Ensuring that both employer and helper complete the correct forms (ID 988A for the helper, ID 988B for the employer) and submit them with all supporting documents. (immd.gov.hk)
- Contract guidance: Drafting and reviewing the official Standard Employment Contract (ID 407) to comply with Hong Kong law. (immd.gov.hk)
- Compliance checks: Verifying financial eligibility, proper wages, live-in arrangements, and other employment requirements to ensure full legal compliance. (fdh.labour.gov.hk)
- Coordination with sending country authorities: For Philippine helpers, assisting with Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC), pre-departure clearance, and other official processes. (dmw.gov.ph)
- Post-arrival assistance: Guidance on visa collection, medical checks, insurance, and other onboarding requirements. (immd.gov.hk)
By managing these steps, an accredited agency reduces errors, prevents delays, and ensures legal compliance for both employer and helper.
⚖️ Legal and Financial Protection
Using an accredited agency protects you in several ways:
- Ensures compliance with wage requirements: The agency will guide you in paying at least the legally mandated Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) and, if applicable, providing a food allowance. (fdh.labour.gov.hk)
- Reduces risk of legal violations: Incorrect documentation, improper contract terms, or mismanaged visa applications can lead to fines or visa denial. Accredited agencies help avoid these mistakes. (immd.gov.hk)
- Proper handling of helper’s rights: Agencies ensure that the helper’s rights are respected, including rest days, statutory holidays, and live-in accommodations. (fdh.labour.gov.hk)
⏱ Saves Time and Reduces Stress
Visa applications for foreign domestic helpers involve multiple steps, from filling forms correctly to coordinating with both Hong Kong and Philippine authorities. Accredited agencies streamline this process, saving employers weeks of time and reducing the stress associated with navigating unfamiliar regulations.
📌 Why Accreditation Matters
Not all agencies are accredited. Only agencies recognized by the Hong Kong Immigration Department and, if applicable, registered with Philippine overseas-employment authorities are allowed to provide visa assistance. Working with a licensed agency gives you peace of mind that your application is handled legally, efficiently, and transparently.
- Hong Kong accreditation ensures the agency complies with local employment and immigration laws. (immd.gov.hk)
- Philippine accreditation ensures that helpers’ documentation, contracts, and travel clearances are handled according to Philippine labour laws. (dmw.gov.ph)
✅ Final Thoughts
Choosing an accredited agency for visa assistance is not just a convenience — it is a legal safeguard. With expert guidance, employers can ensure that contracts, visas, and helper onboarding are compliant with Hong Kong and Philippine regulations, reducing risks and making the hiring process smooth for everyone involved.
If you are hiring a domestic helper and want peace of mind, legal compliance, and fast processing, working with an accredited agency is the safest choice.
We can help
Chris Benne is a licensed and accredited domestic helper agency in Hong Kong with more than 30 years in the business, specializing in assisting employers with full compliance when hiring Filipino helpers. From visa application, standard employment contract preparation, to ensuring all legal requirements under Hong Kong and Philippine regulations are met, Chris Benne provides reliable, professional, and transparent service. Let Chris Benne handle the paperwork so you can welcome your helper home smoothly, safely, and legally.
📞 Contact Chris Benne today to ensure a compliant, hassle‑free hiring process.