Official online lookupHas not ratified ILO C181
Recruitment agency licensing in Hong Kong, China
Licensing authority: Commissioner for Labour, through the Employment Agencies Administration of the Labour Department.1
How to check an agency in Hong Kong, China
The Employment Agencies Portal has a search of licensed employment agencies by name, address, contact details, placement type and district, and a list of all licensed agencies. It also lists agencies convicted of overcharging or unlicensed operation, agencies whose licences were revoked or not renewed, and agencies warned for breaching the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies.2,1
Who needs a licence
Anyone providing job placement services must hold a licence from the Commissioner for Labour, according to the Labour Department.1
Fees charged to workers
An agency may receive no more than 10 percent of the job seeker's first month's wages after a successful placement. The Labour Department says this applies to all job seekers, including foreign domestic helpers, and that agencies may not charge any other fees or expenses, directly or indirectly. Job seekers should get a receipt.1
Licence conditions
A licence is valid for one year from the date of issue, and renewal applications are due at least two months before expiry. Each branch at a different address needs a separate duplicate licence. The licence and the prescribed commission schedule must be displayed at the licensed address. Operating without a valid licence or Certificate of Exemption carries a fine of up to 350,000 dollars and up to 3 years' imprisonment.3
Reporting an unlicensed agency
Suspected overcharging or unlicensed operation can be reported to the Employment Agencies Administration by telephone on 2115 3667, by fax on 2115 3756 or through its online complaint form. Prosecution for overcharging and unlicensed operation must begin within 12 months of the offence, so the Labour Department asks for reports as soon as possible.1
ILO Private Employment Agencies Convention (C181)
Not ratified4
Main law
Checked 28 October 2026. This page describes the licensing system. It does not list or rate individual agencies.
Sources
- Labour Department, Employment Agencies Administration, Things you should know when using the service of an employment agency (22 October 2026)
- Labour Department, Employment Agencies Administration, Search licensed employment agency (22 October 2026)
- Labour Department, Employment Agencies Administration, Licensing of employment agency (22 October 2026)
- Government of the Netherlands, Treaty Database, Convention concerning Private Employment Agencies, Geneva, 19-06-1997 (29 January 2026)