social unrest is affecting domestic helpers
HelperChoice recently surveyed 982 domestic helpers currently deployed in Hong Kong, where they were asked how the current unrest is affecting their daily lives and work.
On Tuesday, August 6, the Philippines Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello III, mentioned that, “the Department of Labour and Employment were considering a possible deployment ban with regards to sending overseas Filipino workers to Hong Kong, following the political unrest in the region and the arrest of a Filipino citizen during a recent protest.”
Regarding the possible deployment ban, a large majority of surveyed Filipino foreign domestic workers would not consider relocating for work or going back to the Philippines. 52% of them are not worried by the recent events, and 45% declared that they were worried but not willing to relocate, one saying, “In my opinion, you should avoid the places where protests are located and avoid wearing white or black during the day of the protests, and you will be fine.”
Only 3% are very concerned about Hong Kong’s current environment and willing to move either to another country or to go back to the Philippines. A few respondents also mentioned they are afraid of losing their jobs if many foreign employers decide to relocate to their home country, one said, “Hong Kong is one of the world’s biggest business centres. The current situation affects the city’s economy. Investors of companies, big or small, as well as their employees, are our employers. It’s sad to say, but some are already considering to move or go back to their home countries, and if that happens, domestic workers are doomed. Jobless.”
A deployment ban would have a huge impact on families in Hong Kong and society in general. According to a recent study by Enrich, foreign domestic workers (FDW) contributed to 3.6% of Hong Kong GDP in 2018, that is to say, USD 12.6 billion, this amount should reach USD 15 billion by 2030.
Hong Kong households often have no alternative but to hire a foreign domestic worker. When it comes to childcare, hiring a domestic helper allows Hong Kong families to save up to USD 700 per month. Also, due to the ageing population in the city, the need for elderly care has increased, and local carers tend to be more expensive. According to the Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong, 15% of households in Hong Kong in 2018 depended on domestic helpers, with 1 out of 7 households employing one.
HelperChoice advises foreign domestic workers to follow their government guidelines and to stay safe. Throughout the years, we have encouraged Foreign Domestic Workers to understand their rights in the country they work, whether that’s in Hong Kong or Singapore, by working closely with local NGOs and actively participating in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Integrated Programme on Fair Recruitment.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
