Filipinos constitute the largest ethnic minority in Hong Kong. Based on official data from the Home Affairs Department, there are more than 201,000 Filipinos in Hong Kong today, majority of which are employed as household helpers, caregivers, and hospitality/service workers.
As a premier global trade and business hub, Hong Kong also has an ongoing demand for workers in the fields of banking, human resources, engineering, marketing, IT, and tourism. This demand continues to attract Filipinos and other nationalities from around the world.
Finding and Securing a Job
Becoming an OFW in Hong Kong stars with finding employment and securing a job offer from a Hong Kong employer. You can apply through a recruitment agency or a direct employer. Either way, your contract must be verified by the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Online Portals for Finding Jobs
The DMW regularly posts approved job orders through its official website. Simply type “Hong Kong” on the search box to browse job opportunities. You can also enter a specific job title or the name of a recruitment agency to find available jobs.
Additionally, here’s a list of online portals that also feature job vacancies in Hong Kong:
Preparing and Authenticating Documents
When seeking a job in Hong Kong, you’ll need to prepare the following documents, in coordination with your recruitment agency or employer:
- Valid Passport;
- Employment Contract;
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Certificates (i.e. birth, marriage, etc.)
- Medical Clearance (after undergoing a comprehensive medical exam in an accredited clinic);
- Education and Training Records (e.g. diploma, transcript of records, TESDA certificates, etc.); and
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance.
Moreover, these documents must be authenticated to be accepted or recognized by Hong Kong authorities. This involves applying for an Apostille Certificate through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Getting a Work Permit and Visa
For you to work legally in Hong Kong, the agency or employer will need to apply for your work visa through the Hong Kong Immigration Department. There are different types of visas, depending on your skills or profession:
- General Employment Policy (GEP) Visa. This visa is given to foreign professionals whose skills are not readily available among the local population of Hong Kong.
- Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) Visa. This visa is issued to those who will be working as full-time, live-in domestic workers in Hong Kong.
- Enhanced Supplementary Labor Scheme (ESLS). This scheme is designed for semi-skilled and low-skilled jobs in sectors that have labor shortages.
- Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG). This is available to foreign students who have graduated from accredited Hong Kong degree programs. For a limited time, they may remain in Hong Kong to find jobs.
Completing Pre-Departure Requirements
As part of the requirements, you will also need to complete the following:
- Have your job contract verified by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong;
- Attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS); and
- Acquire an Overaseas Employment Certificate (OEC), which would serves as your “exit pass” at Philippine airports.
Arriving in Hong Kong
Upon arriving in Hong Kong, you’ll need to present your passport and working visa to immigration officers at the airport. Furthermore, within 30 days, you’ll need to apply for your Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID).
Having a huge Filipino population, Hong Kong is among the the top choices for those who are seeking overseas opportunities — a trend that is likely to continue for many years.
As OFWs, kababayans in Hong Kong become members of OWWA, which provides access to various benefits. Members are urged to apply for the OWWA e-Card, so they can easily apply for the agency’s programs.