Households in Hong Kong are preparing for the Chinese New Year deep clean, leading to a rise in demand for domestic helpers. The Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions (HKFLU) and the Home Services Employees Association (HSEA) released a survey yesterday (Jan. 13), revealing a severe problem of illegal workers in the industry: Nearly 95% of respondents noted that suspected illegal job advertisements on social media are affecting local workers' employment opportunities and wage levels.
A reporter from Wen Wei Po searched keywords like "Shenzhen cleaning" and "Hong Kong door-to-door service" on Chinese social media Xiaohongshu and found several posts involving illegal recruitment of domestic workers.
One post, published by a user suspected to be a Hong Kong resident, claimed, "Located in Hong Kong, seeking deep cleaning from Shenzhen." It attracted many mainland netizens to recommend themselves with comments, with one saying, "In Shenzhen, have a travel permit, seeking Hong Kong cleaning work."
The reporter then privately messaged several commenters and successfully contacted two Shenzhen-based domestic helpers offering door-to-door services. Both individuals held Hong Kong and Macao Travel Permits with tourist endorsements. One had a multiple-entry endorsement and disclosed having worked in Hong Kong for two consecutive days before; the other held a single-entry endorsement, requiring a return trip to Shenzhen for renewal each time, saying she "could come once a week." Both individuals explicitly stated their involvement in paid domestic service.
However, according to section 2(1) of the Immigration Regulations (Chapter 115A), holders of such endorsements are not permitted to take up employment, whether paid or unpaid, in Hong Kong.
The reporter, posing as a customer, further inquired about service details, claiming the "need" to clean an approximately 35 square meter (about 377 sq. ft.) unit in Tai Po, including sweeping, mopping, window cleaning, furniture wiping, and assisting with decluttering. The two quoted rates of HK$130 and HK$150 per hour, respectively, require a minimum service of 5 hours, as "short periods are not cost-effective," plus reimbursement for round-trip transportation expenses of approximately RMB 50 to 60. Both admitted to having made multiple trips from Shenzhen to Hong Kong for work and were familiar with the process.
When the reporter further asked if they could prepare cleaning supplies, one replied, "Tools can't be brought over because customs will check," saying they would only bring simple items like towels and a floor scraper or might disassemble a retractable mop to hide in their suitcase. The other also mentioned bringing retractable tools, stating that cleaning agents would be purchased after arriving in Hong Kong.
Agents claim those with visitor endorsements can work in HK
In addition to illegal day laborers, the reporter also discovered posts on Xiaohongshu by some "domestic help agencies" claiming that domestic workers holding endorsements for visiting relatives, who could stay long-term in Hong Kong, were available for service. Related posts mentioned that nannies would provide cooking, childcare, and household management services, with monthly salaries ranging from HK$10,000 to HK$12,000.
In response to inquiries from Wen Wei Po, a spokesperson for the Immigration Department (IMMD) replied that they have been closely monitoring crime trends related to illegal worker activities, maintaining close contact with relevant law enforcement departments, and taking timely enforcement action. The IMMD employs various strategies to combat illegal workers, including proactive inspections at blackspots for illegal workers and intelligence-led approaches to strengthen intelligence gathering on key industries, actively taking effective enforcement actions.
Furthermore, the department's Cyber Crime and Forensic Investigation Section proactively conducts "online patrols." If it is discovered that individuals are using social platforms or instant messaging software to organize, arrange, or incite citizens to commit serious offenses, such as hiring illegal workers, it will decisively carry out law enforcement, including taking undercover operations to crack down on illicit activities using online platforms to solicit business and arrange for illegal workers to come to Hong Kong for work.
What is an appropriate wage rate?
Another key point of the survey released by the HKFLU and HSEA was to understand local domestic helpers' salary expectations for 2026.
The survey collected 192 valid questionnaires. Among them, 56% earned an hourly rate below HK$120, and one-quarter considered the wage level unreasonable. The survey suggested that the hourly rate increase for domestic helpers in 2026 should be no less than 3.5%. A representative further pointed out that, as year-end deep cleaning involves more complex household chores like cleaning doors/windows and range hoods compared to daily tasks, it is suggested that employers increase the hourly rate during the Chinese New Year period to no less than HK$175.
The survey showed that nearly 80% of the domestic helpers surveyed believed there should be reasonable room for an hourly rate increase in 2026. Lam Chun-sing, Chair of the HKFLU and Legislative Council (LegCo) Member, noted that domestic helper services are prone to mismatches.
"More employers live on Hong Kong Island, but most domestic helpers live in the New Territories, resulting in higher cross-district travel costs for work, leading to increased expenses." Therefore, he hoped that employers could raise wages to help domestic helpers cope with inflation.
It is understood that during last year's deep clean period, the suggested hourly rate from the HKFLU and HSEA was HK$170, while the actual rates ranged between HK$130 and HK$140, with the highest reaching HK$200.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Li Qianxun; English Editor: Darius)
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