Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 46)
Only licensed recruitment agencies authorized by the POEA may undertake the processing of domestic helpers for deployment to Hongkong, subject to compliance with accreditation requirements.
The individual employment contracts must be duly authenticated by the Philippine Consulate General in Hongkong.
Hongkong principals must undergo new accreditation by the POEA to be accredited as employers of domestic helpers from the Philippines.
The general requirements include: 1) Special Power of Attorney issued in favor of the Philippine agency; 2) Manpower request; 3) Copy of business license; 4) Affidavit of Undertaking by both the Hongkong agency and Philippine recruitment agency covering placement fees, airfare, documentary requirements, reimbursement and salary deductions; 5) Certification from the Philippine Consulate General in Hongkong stating no derogatory record or pending welfare case; 6) Undertaking that Philippine agencies will source applicants via the POEA pool of workers.
The maximum placement fee shall be P5,000 only.
The employer in Hongkong shall shoulder the airfare of the domestic helper.
The Office of the Labor Attache in Hongkong is tasked with verifying the accreditation documents of the Hongkong principals and verifying individual employment contracts submitted by accredited principals or namehires.
Domestic helpers must attend a Centralized Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) conducted by POEA, and they need to bring their employment contract and a referral letter from the agency.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, able to speak conversational English, have knowledge of general housekeeping and childcare, and have good moral character.