Treat helpers the same as all other workers

Representing nearly 10 per cent of the labour force in Hong Kong, the over 330,000 foreign domestic helpers here are working to improve their economic opportunities. However, unequal labour policies have resulted in many workers suffering exploitation, which exacerbates economic inequality.

Every year, women from the Philippines, Indonesia and other places come to Hong Kong to take up jobs in our homes, yet these migrant workers face numerous restrictions imposed by both their home country and our city.

Hong Kong’s live-in rule, for one thing, has muddied the boundary between helpers’ work and personal space, which often leads to extended working hours.

Additionally, the recent proposal to tackle “job hopping” by helpers, in combination with the arbitrary live-in requirement, makes domestic helpers even more vulnerable to exploitation. Such a policy will take away the fundamental labour right to switch jobs. Some may be forced to stay with abusive employers.

Due to the exclusion of foreign workers from the local minimum wage policy, many domestic workers also experience economic hardship. The minimum wage for helpers is set at only HK$4,730 per month, while a local worker on minimum wage (HK$40 an hour at 192 hours a month) would earn about HK$7,680 per month.

It is time the government reviewed the policies for migrant workers. Enacting fair laws is the first step to promoting greater justice and equality for all.

Through provisions for fair wages, adequate working conditions and access to basic labour freedom, the government could provide legal protection and redress discrimination and abuse in Hong Kong.

Agnes Hon, Tsuen Wan