How will the opeining of Penny Bay effect the domestic helper hiring process?
Penny Bay Quarantine Center
This pandemic has made hiring a helper a nightmare - no flights, expensive quarantine, lockdowns, š š”š¤¬
Finally the governments of Hong Kong and the Philippines are starting to get their act together to make the process now reliable and affordable. With the opening of the Penny Bay Quarantine center they can accommodate another 800 helpers at a time. If the cost is $500 a night then it will affordable for most families. The two big questions are: how much will it cost? how long will it take?
How much will it cost?
If you hire through Arrow here is the cost breakdown:
$ 9800 processing
$ 10,500 quarantine
$ 2500 air ticket (see price table below)
$ 1000 PCR test
$ 23800 total
It's not great but it's manageable. And you know that Arrow will do our best to help you resolve issues so that your helper will finish her contract.
How long will it take?
8 weeks: Visa application
2 weeks: Verifcation of contract at Consulate
1 weeks: Overseas Employment Certificate this happens concurrently with verification of contract in HK
A Philippines based helper is ready to come to Hong Kong in 10 weeks time. The BIG ISSUE IS THE QUARANTINE HOTEL AND FLIGHT. As quarantine beds become more available helpers can arrive in a reasonable period of time. If a quarantine spot is available for your helper then the helper should be in your home working after 13-15 weeks. If no quarantine spot is available then the time will certainly take longer. Much depends on the governments ability to execute their plan in an effective way.
