When hiring a domestic helper through a platform, the first step isn’t to rush into asking about her visa—instead, use the information on the platform to determine whether she’s a good fit for your family. Once you’ve confirmed your interest, get to know her better through messages, phone calls, and video interviews, and only then verify her visa status. This approach not only shows respect for the caregiver but also helps employers find the right candidate more efficiently.
I. First, review the agency’s information: Determine whether the foreign domestic worker is a good fit for your family
When browsing a woman's profile on the platform, you should first pay attention to herWork Experience, such as years of experience, the types of families previously cared for, length of time in Hong Kong, skill tags, and whether the self-introduction aligns with these factors.
At the same time, one should:
- Watch her self-introduction video to assess her communication skills, language proficiency, and overall impression.
- Review her caregiving experience, such as caring for infants, children, the elderly, and pets, as well as her cooking and housekeeping skills.
- Consider whether her experience aligns with your family's needs—for example, if you have a newborn, are a dual-income family, have elderly family members, or own pets.
- Check to see if the photos, videos, years of experience, and skill descriptions are consistent.
Some of the more established platforms, such as HelperLibraryWe review and update the nannies' profiles daily and provide video and audio introductions of the nannies, allowing employers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their communication skills, language proficiency, and overall impression—beyond just the written information.
💡 Summary: The platform's data serves as a preliminary screening tool. First, identify the women who "seem like a good fit," then move on to the next stage to get to know them better.
II. Text Messages: Start with Simple Questions
Once you find a suitable older sister, you can start by asking a few simple questions through the platform’s messaging feature to confirm her basic information and see if you can communicate easily. For example:
- "Are you currently employed? When would be the earliest you could start a new job?"
- "What age groups of children or seniors have you primarily cared for?"
- "What kinds of dishes can you cook? Can you accommodate our family's preference for light, healthy meals?"
- "Can you take care of a pet?"
- "What are your expectations regarding days off and work schedules?"
If her response is clear and she has a positive attitude, and you feel she meets the basic requirements, you can move on to the next step.
III.WhatsApp Voice Calls and Video Interviews
The next step could be to start by arranging WhatsApp Voice Calls, to assess the nanny’s communication skills, verbal expression, and basic job expectations. After the phone call, if she is still a good fit, the overseas nanny should arrangeVideo Interview...you can arrange to meet a local woman in person and directly observe her appearance, reactions, and sincerity.
During the interview, you can ask more specific situational questions:
- "If a child has a fever or is crying, how would you handle it?"
- "How do you ensure your children's safety when they're out and about?"
- "Have you ever cared for an elderly person? Do they need help bathing, taking medication, or getting around?"
- "How do you usually handle cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, and laundry and ironing?"
- "Do you have any questions about our family members, pets, or work arrangements?"
IV. After Fitting: ShipmentJob Offer
If the employer is satisfied with the candidate after the interview, they should formally and clearly outline the terms of the job offer to avoid future misunderstandings arising from discrepancies in verbal commitments.
A job offer should include:
- Monthly Salary, Meals
- Weekly Day Off
- Family members who need care, such as children, the elderly, or pets
- Accommodation arrangements, such as rooms and basic amenities
- Main job responsibilities, such as caring for children and the elderly, cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping
- Expected Start Date and Visa/Home Leave Arrangements
💡 Summary: Clarifying the terms first and then proceeding to the visa review process allows both parties to confirm their intention to cooperate on the basis of mutual respect.
V.SimultaneouslyCheck Visa Status
While confirming the terms of employment, the employer should ask the older sister to provide a copy of her visa or relevant documents to verify that her visa status matches the information on the platform and what she stated during the interview.
Since each sister's visa situation is different, they should be handled separately:
| Older Sister Type | Key Areas for Audit |
| Contract Completed, Sis | The visa will show the expiration date; you must ensure that the new application is submitted before the expiration date, otherwise your sister may need to apply for a visa extension first. |
| Sisters who have resigned or had their contracts terminated | A resignation letter or proof of contract termination must be provided to confirm the date on which the employee is free to change jobs. |
| Newly Arrived Sisters from Overseas | You do not currently hold a Hong Kong work visa; if this is your first visit to Hong Kong and you have a clean record, your chances of having your visa approved are generally higher. |
| My older sister, who worked in Hong Kong and then returned to her hometown | In addition to their overseas background, their employment history should also be verified in accordance with the rules regarding “completion of contract, resignation, or termination of contract.” |
VI. Special Note: Records of Resignations or Contract Terminations
If my older sister isFulfill the Contract... She should check the expiration date of her visa and ensure that her new employer submits the application before it expires. If the application is not submitted in time, she may need to apply for a visa extension first before she can remain in Hong Kong to handle the job transfer.
If my older sister isContract termination or voluntary resignation, you should ask her to provide a resignation letter or contract termination document to confirm her official last day of employment and the date she can start her new job.
Please note: If your older sister is inHas had their contract terminated or resigned twice within the past year... Visa applications may involve higher risks, so employers should exercise extra caution and verify the reasons for each resignation, the employee’s job performance, and whether all required documents are complete.
VII. Need Professional Assistance? Start by Learning About the Platform's Services
Once you’ve found your ideal au pair, if you’re unfamiliar with the hiring process, contracts, visa applications, or insurance arrangements, you can check with the platform to see if they offer these services.Direct Hiring Processing Servicesand the associated fees.
Not all platforms offer professional recruitment services. For example, HelperLibrary For example, the platform has over 10 years of experience in direct hiring and providesVisa Verification Service...which can help employers verify the nanny's visa status and documents with greater confidence before hiring her.
FAQ
Question 1: Should I ask my sister for a copy of her visa right from the start?
This is not recommended. A more appropriate approach is to first determine whether the nanny is a good fit for the family by reviewing her profile on the platform and conducting text, voice, and video interviews. Only after both parties have expressed interest in hiring and confirmed the terms should you request visa documents for verification.
Question 2: What should I keep in mind regarding my sister’s visa after the contract is completed?
Check the expiration date on the visa and make sure to submit the new application before that date. If the application cannot be processed in time, your sister may need to apply for a visa extension first.
Question 3: If my sister has previously resigned or had her contract terminated, does that necessarily mean there’s a problem?
Not necessarily. Reasons for leaving a job may include changes in the employer’s family circumstances, the expiration of a contract, or unsuitable work arrangements. The key is to review the resignation letter or proof of contract termination to understand the specific reason. However, if this occurs twice within a year, you should pay special attention to the risks associated with visa approval.
Question 4: If a foreign worker does not have a Hong Kong visa, can she not be hired?
No. The overseas worker does not hold a Hong Kong work visa herself; the employer must apply for a work visa for her to come to Hong Kong. If this is her first time coming to Hong Kong and she has a clean record, the chances of her visa being approved are generally higher; if she has previously worked in Hong Kong, her record should be verified in accordance with the rules governing resignation or contract termination.
Question 5: If I don’t know how to handle the procedures for direct hiring, what should I do?
Most recruitment agencies offer direct hire processing. You can also check with the platform you use to see if it provides direct hire processing services, what the scope of those services is, and what the fees are. Not all platforms offer these services; when making your selection, consider their experience, whether they provide visa verification, and whether their fees are transparent.
Conclusion
When hiring a nanny through a platform, the most reliable process is:First, review the materials and videos; then, communicate via text; followed by a phone or video interview; and finally, confirm.Verification of Job Offer for a VisaCan be done simultaneously。
If you need assistance, you can also choose a platform that offers professional direct hiring services. This will not only help you find a nanny who is truly a good fit for your family, but also allow you to identify visa-related risks early on, making the entire hiring process more transparent, smoother, and more secure.
