Question 1

How does SeekHelpers work with domestic helpers in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

SeekHelpers is an AI-powered hiring platform built specifically for the Hong Kong domestic helper market. Unlike traditional agencies, we use machine learning to match your family's needs with the most compatible verified helpers in seconds. Employers post a job for free, browse AI-ranked profiles with 60-second video introductions, conduct in-app video interviews, and manage the entire visa process — all from one app. We are dual-licensed by the Hong Kong Labour Department (EA 82832) and the Philippine POEA, meaning every helper listed has passed our multi-step verification process.

Question 2

How long does it take to hire a helper through SeekHelpers?

Accepted Answer

Most families match, interview, and hire their helper within 7–14 days — compared to 10–15 weeks with a traditional agency. After hiring, visa approval typically takes 4–6 weeks after document submission. The full tracked journey from hire confirmation to arrival usually takes 6–8 weeks.

Question 3

What is the cost of hiring a domestic helper in Hong Kong in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Job posting and helper browsing on SeekHelpers are free. Self Hire for an overseas Philippines helper is HK$6,999. Full Service plans range from HK$13,999 to HK$16,999, depending on the helper route and service package. Plan inclusions and applicable government fees are shown before checkout.

Question 4

What documents do I need to hire a foreign domestic helper?

Accepted Answer

As an employer, you'll typically need: your HKID, proof of residential address, employment contract (standard form ID407), and financial proof of ability to pay the helper's salary. The helper needs their valid passport, previous employer reference letters, medical certificate, NBI clearance (for Filipino helpers), and POEA-issued documents. In total this is 15+ forms across three government departments. SeekHelpers prepares, reviews, and submits all of these on your behalf.

Question 5

What is the minimum wage for domestic helpers in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

As of 2025, the Hong Kong government sets the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers at HK$5,100 per month. Employers are also required to provide either free food or a food allowance of HK$1,236/month, suitable private accommodation, free medical treatment, and a return air ticket at the end of the contract.

Question 6

Can I interview a helper by video before hiring?

Accepted Answer

Yes — SeekHelpers is one of the only platforms in Hong Kong that lets you both watch a pre-recorded 60-second video profile AND conduct a live in-app video interview. No WhatsApp or third-party tools needed. All interview records are saved in-app for your reference.

Question 7

How is AI matching different from a traditional agency?

Accepted Answer

Traditional agencies rely on a consultant reviewing CVs manually. SeekHelpers' AI matching engine analyses over 50 compatibility signals — including family size, care needs, preferred language, helper experience, and more — then ranks every verified helper by fit score in real time. Top matches appear in under 60 seconds. No other domestic helper platform in Hong Kong currently uses this approach.

Question 8

Is SeekHelpers a licensed employment agency?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SeekHelpers holds an Employment Agency (EA) Licence No. 82832 issued by the Commissioner for Labour under the Employment Ordinance. We are also accredited by the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), licence MWOHK-2025-529-085. This dual licensing means every Filipino helper placed through our platform has gone through a legally compliant process in both countries.

Question 9

Do I need to pay the helper a placement fee?

Accepted Answer

No. Under Hong Kong law and the standard Employment Contract (Form ID407), employers are strictly prohibited from deducting any placement fee from the helper's wages. SeekHelpers charges employers — not helpers — for visa and placement services. The platform is free for job posting and browsing.

Question 10

How does visa processing work through the app?

Accepted Answer

Once you confirm your hire in the SeekHelpers app, you and your helper each receive a checklist of required documents to upload. Our team reviews, prepares, and submits all required forms to the Hong Kong Immigration Department and Labour Department on your behalf. You receive a real-time status tracker showing exactly which stage your application is at. Visa approval typically takes 4–6 weeks after document submission; the full tracked journey from hire confirmation to arrival usually takes 6–8 weeks.

Question 11

What does Self Hire mean on SeekHelpers, and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

Self Hire means the employer stays in control of choosing the helper. It suits Hong Kong families who want to browse profiles, message candidates and interview directly instead of asking a traditional agency to choose for them. After you select a helper, SeekHelpers can coordinate verification, documents, domestic helper visa processing and the applicable arrival steps.

Question 12

Can I browse helpers, post a job and use AI matching for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can browse helper profiles, post a job and use AI matching for free. You can also review available profile details before deciding whether to proceed. A charge only applies when you choose a paid service, such as a Self Hire processing plan or another clearly priced package; browsing, messaging or receiving AI matches alone does not create a fee.

Question 13

What is different when hiring a transfer helper or an overseas helper?

Accepted Answer

A local or transfer helper is already in Hong Kong, so the case focuses on contract status, change-of-employer eligibility and local Immigration requirements. An overseas helper also needs the relevant origin-country, consular, medical, departure, travel and arrival steps. The documents, timing and price depend on the helper’s nationality, location and contract history.

Question 14

What do I pay for Self Hire, and are government costs included?

Accepted Answer

The current overseas Philippines Self Hire plan is HK$6,999, while local Philippines Self Hire is HK$5,999. The selected plan shows its service scope and included consulate, Immigration, medical, courier or travel items before checkout. Optional add-ons and any case-specific cost not included in the plan should be confirmed in writing before payment.

Question 15

What am I responsible for, and what can SeekHelpers coordinate?

Accepted Answer

You decide whom to hire, interview the candidate, agree duties and living arrangements, provide accurate employer documents, sign the standard contract and meet your legal obligations. Under the selected plan, SeekHelpers can coordinate helper-data checks, document preparation, applicable consulate and Immigration steps, medical arrangements, visa progress and relevant travel or arrival support.

Question 16

How do profiles, videos, messaging and interviews work before I hire?

Accepted Answer

Profiles show available experience and verification information, and video introductions help you assess communication style before arranging a conversation. You can message suitable candidates and conduct an interview before deciding. A profile, match score or video is a screening aid—not a hiring decision—so employers should ask role-specific questions and confirm expectations directly.

Question 17

How long do matching, hiring and visa processing usually take?

Accepted Answer

Matching and interviews can take a few days, but the hiring decision depends on your requirements and candidate availability. After complete documents are submitted, Hong Kong visa approval typically takes 4–6 weeks. For an overseas helper, the full tracked journey from confirmed hire to arrival is usually 6–8 weeks, subject to Immigration, consular, medical and travel steps.

Question 18

Which documents are needed, and can SeekHelpers support the visa?

Accepted Answer

Employers typically need an HKID, residential-address proof, financial evidence and the signed Standard Employment Contract (ID 407). The helper usually provides a passport and the identity, employment, medical and origin-country documents required for the case. SeekHelpers offers paid document and visa support options and provides a case-specific checklist after the hiring route is confirmed.

Question 19

What legal responsibilities remain with the employer?

Accepted Answer

Self Hire does not change the employer’s legal duties. For contracts under the current rates, employers must pay at least the HK$5,100 Minimum Allowable Wage and provide free food or at least HK$1,236 per month, suitable furnished accommodation with reasonable privacy, employees’ compensation insurance and free medical treatment, together with the other Standard Employment Contract obligations.

Question 20

How do verification, licensing and support reduce hiring risk?

Accepted Answer

SeekHelpers operates as a Hong Kong licensed employment agency (EA 82832) and uses structured profile and document checks to make important information easier to review. Direct messaging and interviews let both sides discuss expectations before signing, while a documented processing workflow helps reduce missed steps. Verification reduces uncertainty but cannot guarantee future performance or personal compatibility.

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