Complaints about foreign domestic helper agencies rose

已複製連結

The Consumer Council received 124 complaints involving foreign domestic helper agencies last year, an increase of nearly 10% year-on-year.

One complainant selected a foreign domestic helper in July 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. 

After the Consumer Council intervened, the company refunded half of the service fee.

In another case, a foreign domestic helper was hired in February last year after a video interview, and a service fee of HK$16,500 was paid. However, the company later claimed they could not contact the helper and could not sign a contract. The complainant requested a refund. 

However, the company said the terms and conditions stipulated that the foreign domestic helper might renege on the contract and refused to refund. 

The complainant believed the terms and conditions were problematic and sought help from the Consumer Council. Ultimately, the complainant received a full refund.

The Consumer Council advised intermediary companies to clearly explain the contract to ensure consumers understand its contents in order to avoid disputes.