Consumer Council receives 120 complaints involving foreign domestic helper agencies in 2025
發佈日期: 2026-04-14 22:00
TVB News
The Consumer Council has received more than 120 complaints involving foreign domestic helper agencies last year, an increase of nearly 10% year-on-year.
Domestic helpers provide essential support to many families in Hong Kong. The hiring process, however, can be complicated sometimes.
One complainant selected a foreign domestic helper last year, with an arrangement for her to start work in October.
However, in early October, the agency claimed the helper was unreachable and suggested replacing her with another.
After the complainant waited until December, the second foreign domestic helper also failed to start work. The complainant requested a refund from the agency, but they refused.
As the Consumer Council intervened, the company refunded half of the service fee.
In another case, the complainant hired a foreign domestic helper after a video interview, and paid a service fee of 16,500 dollars. However, the company later said they were unable to contact the helper.
The complainant requested a refund but the company gave no clear response.
The complainant considered the terms and conditions problematic and sought help from the Consumer Council. Ultimately, the complainant received a full refund.
Lam Hon-Ming, a member of the Committee on Research and Testing, said: "Consumers should carefully read the contract or service agreement before the transaction, to ensure full understanding of all content and terms."
After transaction, obtain and retain contracts, receipts and other transaction documents as well as records of communication with the agency as evidence.
