Working in Hong Kong can be a great experience for any OFW. Not only is it a chance to earn money and provide for their family back home, but it is also an opportunity to live and work in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Also Read: How to Apply for POEA Jobs Online for Work Abroad
OFWs will find that they have plenty of opportunities to explore all that Hong Kong has to offer, from its world-class shopping and dining to its many cultural attractions. And with its convenient location, working in Hong Kong also allows OFWs to easily travel to other Asian countries on their vacation.
Whether they are looking for a new challenge or simply want to experience all that Hong Kong has to offer, OFWs will find that working in this bustling metropolis is a truly enriching experience.
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10 Best Jobs in Hong Kong for Filipinos
The top 10 most in-demand jobs for Filipinos in Hong Kong are:
1. Nanny/Housekeeper
The Philippines has been one of the major sources of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong since the 1970s. Today, Filipino domestic workers comprise about two-thirds of all foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong. According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), around 100,000 Filipinos are working as domestic helpers in Hong Kong today.
Average Salary: The average monthly wage of a housekeeper is 5,144 HKD/month to 5,448 HKD.
2. Cook/Chef
Filipinos are very much welcome to apply for Chef/cook jobs as they are preferred by most employers. There are companies that offer free training and accommodation to Filipino applicants. Moreover, if you are fluent in English and Chinese languages then you have an advantage over other applicants.
Average Salary: A Cook in Hong Kong usually takes around 18,100 HKD per month.
3. Caregiver / Nurses
In Hongkong, Filipino Nurses / Caregivers are in demand, especially those who are willing to work hard and have good communication skills.
A caregiver is a person who provides assistance or personal care to others. The term can be used for both paid and unpaid caretaking, but “caregiver” is more commonly used for unpaid (voluntary) caregivers, often related to family members or close friends, while the term “health care provider” or “healthcare professional” is more commonly used for paid caregivers, often unrelated to family members, such as in a nursing home.
Average Salary: Employers are willing to pay as much as HK$8,000 a month to caregivers who have worked for them for longer.
4. Retail Sales Assistant / Store Manager
The Retail Sales Assistant / Store Manager will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the store, coordinating tasks with other employees, handling customer complaints, and providing exceptional customer service to all customers.
Average Salary: In Hong Kong, a Store Manager makes an average of HKD 24,074 per month.
5. Hotel Front Desk Clerk/Receptionist/Bellhop
The requirements stated by the employer include: “fresh graduates,” fluency in English, experience as a front desk clerk or receptionist at a hotel or related industry, and willingness to work overtime and weekends if required by the employer.
The Hotel Front Desk Clerk is a hotel employee who is responsible for greeting guests and providing them with information about the hotel and its facilities. He also handles reservations and check-in procedures.
Front desk clerks are often required to have good customer service skills and be able to solve problems on the spot. They may also be responsible for keeping track of keys given out to guests and recording guest information such as arrival and departure dates. If a hotel has more than one front desk clerk they often work together as a team.
Hotel Receptionists are responsible for ensuring that all hotel guests receive courteous treatment upon arrival at their hotel or resort property.
Average Salary: The average salary for this kind of job ranges from 14,000 HKD to 28,000 HKD.
6. Customer Service Representatives / Sales Agents
Customer Service Representatives / Sales Agents are expected to provide customer service for customers by answering questions about products or services, resolving complaints and concerns, and providing information about products or services for customers who call in.
Customer Service Representatives / Sales Agents must be personable and enthusiastic with good communication skills, should be a team player and be able to work under pressure, and must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English language.
Average Salary: A Customer Service Representative in Hong Kong makes about 12,800 HKD per month on average.
7. Driver (Taxi, Van, Delivery)
The majority of the drivers are Filipinos. The job description includes driving a taxi or a van as well as delivering packages. You can work as an individual or as part of a team of other drivers who share vehicles and expenses. This is usually done by hiring companies that supply the vehicle and pay your salary but do not provide accommodation.
You will need to undergo training on how to drive in Hongkong before getting hired by any company. You can also apply for this job if you already have your car and just want to drive for extra income.
In Hong Kong alone, there are over 100 taxi companies which mean there are plenty of opportunities for you to find jobs as a taxi driver. The competition can be tough but if you have experience driving then it should not be much of a problem finding a job.
Average Salary: In Hong Kong, a person who works as a taxi driver usually makes around 11,400 HKD per month.
8. Finance & Accounting Staff
There are many employment opportunities here, especially if you’re looking for a career that involves finance or accounting. These two industries are in great demand by local employers.
Finance & Accounting staff are the backbone of any company. They are responsible for maintaining the financial records and calculating taxes and other charges as well as filing them with government agencies. They also produce reports that help management make decisions regarding finance-related matters.
Average Salary: Accounting and finance staff in Hong Kong typically take approximately 37,700 HKD per month.
9. Call Center Agents
The Philippines is one of the most preferred countries for OFWs because of its proximity to Hong Kong and China. More than 200,000 Filipinos are working in Hong Kong, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The majority work as domestic helpers or caregivers while some work as call center agents.
This is an employment option that requires one to have excellent communication skills and a good command of the English language. A call center agent receives calls from customers and responds by providing information or addressing their issues.
Average Salary: Customer Service and Call Center employees in Hong Kong make approximately 25,100 HKD per month.
10. IT Staff
There are many Filipinos who want to work abroad especially those who are interested in working as an IT Staff or Information Technology professional because there are many job opportunities for IT graduates in Hongkong.
The main or core responsibility of an IT Staff is to assist the business units to manage and analyze systems and operations. They are also involved in creating proposals for new software solutions or upgrades for existing software solutions. They conduct research on current issues concerning the industry and technology trends.
Average Salary: In Hong Kong, a person who works in Information Technology usually makes around 36,700 HKD per month.
Video: A Day In My Life as An OFW in Hong Kong
This video is about the updated monthly salary of a Domestic helper here in Hong Kong and also some tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to work in Hong Kong now?
In general, yes. Hong Kong is an advanced economy with extremely low rates of criminal activity throughout the city.
2. Can anyone work in Hong Kong?
Yes, foreign nationals with the proper Hong Kong Visa or Work Permits are permitted to work in Hong Kong.
3. Is it hard to get a work visa in HK?
It’s tough for businesses to get work visas in Hong Kong, as the country generally prefers local talent. However, knowing the correct qualifications and doing thorough study can aid you in demonstrating that your staff are qualified for the position.
4. How long does HK work visa take?
The processing time for a Hong Kong working visa is usually 4-6 weeks from the date of application. A two-year work visa will be given after the application is accepted. The applicant will subsequently be permitted to apply for a Hong Kong ID card.
5. Can I stay in HK If I lose my job?
You can’t, after all, be allowed to work in Hong Kong and not be allowed to live here at the same time. But the distinction between the two is often lost and only ever come into focus when you stop working for the sponsor of your current employment visa.
6. What is a good salary for Hong Kong?
An employee in Hong Kong makes an average monthly salary of 36,000 HKD (around $4,684). When you look a little deeper, you’ll discover that the region’s salaries range from 9,260 HKD (the lowest average) to 163,000 HKD (the highest average).
Summary
There are many job opportunities for OFWs in Hong Kong. The most common jobs include domestic helpers, caregivers, construction workers, and retail staff. The average salary of an OFW in Hong Kong is around 36,000 HKD per month. There are also many job opportunities for IT professionals and those with good communication skills. So working in Hong Kong is a good option for many Filipinos.
Working in Hong Kong has its pros and cons just like any other place. OFWs should be aware of these before deciding to work in Hong Kong. The pros include the high salaries, the low cost of living, and the great job opportunities. The cons include the long working hours.