The Hiring Process
Overview
- New hire (overseas): 10–16 weeks — actual timing depends on whether your helper's paperwork (e.g. passport) is up to date, and how quickly you provide your own documents
- Renewal: Approximately 2 months (contract signing, Immigration processing, and consulate verification) — submit your renewal to GMA 3–4 months before the contract ends
Step by Step
1. Select a Helper
- GMA
- We share profiles and arrange interviews.
- You
- Review profiles, conduct interviews, and choose your helper.
- Timeline
- 1–2 weeks
2. Prepare the Contract
- GMA
- We prepare the Standard Employment Contract (ID407). Both parties sign.
- You
- Sign the contract at our office.
- Timeline
- 1–2 days
3. Overseas Partner Processing
- GMA
- Our overseas partner arranges your helper's medical check, certifications, and competency exams.
- You
- No action required at this stage.
- Timeline
- ~4 weeks (not required for local transfers)
- Required for: new hires from overseas (not currently in Hong Kong), and helpers whose Hong Kong contract was terminated early.
- Not required for local transfers — helpers changing employer within Hong Kong through the standard local transfer process.
4. Immigration Application
- GMA
- We submit Forms 988a/988b and supporting documents to the Immigration Department.
- You
- Provide your required documents (see Document Checklist).
- Timeline
- 4–6 weeks processing
5. Consulate Processing
- GMA
- We handle submission to the Philippine or Indonesian Consulate.
- You
- No action required at this stage.
- Timeline
- 2–4 weeks
6. Helper Arrives
- GMA
- We guide you through the medical check, HKID application, and consulate reporting.
- You
- Meet your helper and help them settle in.
- Timeline
- First week
7. Contract Begins
- GMA
- We register the contract and file final paperwork.
- You
- Your helper's first official working day.
- Timeline
- Day 1
Nationality Notes
- 🇮🇩 Indonesian helpers: The PT Competence Certificate and Indonesian Medical Check require approximately 3 weeks to arrange. GMA will advise when to collect these from your helper — plan early.
- 🇵🇭 Filipino helpers: Your helper's full residential address and passport details are needed before submission. GMA will coordinate directly with your helper.