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HelperChoice

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HelperChoice is an online platform that connects employers with domestic workers, primarily in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2012 and later acquired by the European homecare startup Yoopies in 2019, the platform facilitates direct hiring between employers and domestic workers while promoting ethical recruitment practices.

HelperChoice operates as a subscription-based service, allowing employers to access a database of domestic workers. The company emphasizes transparency in hiring, aiming to reduce issues such as illegal fees, exploitation, and debt bondage faced by migrant domestic workers.[1]. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO)[2], HelperChoice has been recognized for its social impact initiatives in labor migration. Its headquarters is located in Admiralty, Hong Kong.

Background & Mission

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In regions like Hong Kong and Singapore, migrant domestic workers play a significant role in supporting households. In Hong Kong, around 13.4% of households employ domestic helpers[3], primarily from the Philippines (55.16%) and Indonesia (42.28%)[4]. Similarly, in Singapore, 16.2% of households rely on migrant domestic workers[5]

However, unethical recruitment practices, such as excessive placement fees, have been documented. A 2022 report by the Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions (FADWU) found that some agencies charged workers an average of HK$19,394 in illegal fees, leading to debt bondage[6]. HelperChoice positions itself as an alternative by offering a no-fee platform for workers to connect directly with employers.

Employment Process & Service

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The employment process for migrant domestic helpers involves several stages, from recruitment to contract termination or renewal. Employers typically begin by searching for a suitable candidate, conducting interviews, and selecting a helper based on qualifications and compatibility. Once a helper is chosen, in Hong Kong and Singapore, employers must apply for a work permit or visa, typically valid for two years and renewable upon mutual agreement. Key requirements include proof of the employer’s financial capability, a signed employment contract outlining terms such as salary and accommodation, and the helper’s eligibility based on experience and background checks. While Hong Kong mandates a minimum wage and free lodging, Singapore requires employers to meet a minimum income threshold and provide mandatory insurance coverage. Both regions enforce weekly rest days (or compensation in lieu) and have dispute resolution mechanisms for labor issues[7][8].

HelperChoice Helpers Gathering

HelperChoice provides a few services designed to simplify the hiring process:

  • A matching platform for employers and domestic workers.
  • Assistance with visa processing (particularly for Filipino workers).
  • Support with contract renewals and terminations.
  • Customer service for legal and administrative inquiries.

The company has partnered with NGOs such as Enrich Hong Kong (financial literacy programs) and PathFinders (support for migrant women and children). It also collaborates with IconMed, a medical training provider, to offer certified caregiver courses.

Response and Significance

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HelperChoice maintains a 4.4/5 rating on Google Reviews based on over 370 reviews. The company also engages with followers on Facebook, where it has approximately 795,000 followers, though detailed engagement metrics are not publicly available.

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HelperChoice Website

HelperChoice Blogsite

  1. ^ Yi, Beh Lih; Kanso, Heba (2018-06-18). "Click and save: websites help Asian maids escape debt bondage". Reuters. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  2. ^ "Pilot testing a behavioural intervention to engage employers of domestic workers in the fight for fair recruitment | International Labour Organization". www.ilo.org. 2018-06-06. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  3. ^ "Thematic Household Survey Report No. 72 published". www.info.gov.hk. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  4. ^ "Statistics on the number of Foreign Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong | DATA.GOV.HK". data.gov.hk. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  5. ^ "2025 Issue 1". Base. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  6. ^ Chau, Candice (19 July 2023). "Excessive agency fees costing some Hong Kong migrant domestic workers over HK$19,000, union says". Hong Kong Free Press. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  7. ^ "Foreign Domestic Helpers | Immigration Department". www.immd.gov.hk. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  8. ^ "Apply for a Work Permit for migrant domestic worker (MDW)". Ministry of Manpower Singapore. Retrieved 2025-07-04.