Hiring a foreign domestic helper creates ongoing employment responsibilities. Confirm suitable accommodation and sustainable payment capacity before choosing a candidate or agency. Immigration assesses eligibility; an agency's assurance is not approval. The Standard Employment Contract, ID407, governs the employment arrangement. Check the official wage and food arrangements applicable to the signing date rather than an old advertisement, and read the terms before agreeing to the recruitment package.
What to have ready
Before you start
Read Immigration's criteria and Labour Department guidance first. The helper works and resides at the contractual address for the specified employer, with suitable accommodation and reasonable privacy. Budget beyond salary for food or the contractual allowance, insurance, medical care, leave, travel, and any agency charges. The agency service agreement and the employment contract are separate documents. Retain both and clarify what each payment covers, including conditions on cancellation or replacement.
What to do, step by step
- Check financial, accommodation, and duty requirements against the official criteria, and resolve uncertainty with Immigration before committing to recruitment.
- If using an agency, verify its licence and service terms. Discuss skills, language, actual domestic duties, and rest arrangements with the prospective helper.
- Complete the standard contract accurately and apply with the current document checklist and relevant consular requirements, retaining copies and the reference.
- After approval and commencement, keep payment and leave records and arrange insurance, essential supplies, and an understandable household routine.
Costs, timing, and things to check
Do not arrange work for another household or use a verbal agreement to remove formal rights. Both parties should retain their contract copies.
A pending application does not establish permission to start work. Processing varies, so maintain a workable care backup while waiting.
A practical example
For a household with an older relative, describe domestic and care tasks, accommodation, and the daily routine, arranging qualified support for professional nursing needs. Discuss a realistic day in the interview instead of asking only whether the person can care for an older adult. Include rest days and the family's backup responsibilities so the plan remains workable when the helper is away.
Prepare suitable accommodation, full costs, and the standard contract, then start according to the approved arrangement.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.