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  • 2019.05
  • Issue 511

Foreign Domestic Helper Failed to Perform or Turn Up Employment Agencies Should Act as The Gatekeeper

Foreign Domestic Helper Failed to Perform or Turn Up Employment Agencies Should Act as The Gatekeeper

There is a strong demand for foreign domestic helpers (or “FDHs”) in Hong Kong. The complaints lodged with the Consumer Council (or “Council”) concerning FDH employment agencies have exposed various issues. In one of the cases, the complainant had to go through a number of setbacks in the hiring process and was not able to get a refund after several unsuccessful applications. Another complainant said that the actual capabilities of the selected helper did not match her resume, and subsequently found that the agency had arranged a real-time translation to assist the helper during the video interview.   Consumers often believe in the expertise of the FDH employment agencies and rely on the information provided by them to select helpers and handle the application process. The Council urges the industry to improve service quality and strengthen communication with consumers, and act as a gatekeeper by scrutinizing job-seekers’ resumes to prevent future hassles.