Hong Kong fully committed to protecting the rights and interests of foreign domestic helpers

29 September 2016

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to protecting the rights of the 347 000 foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong. It is our commitment to maintain Hong Kong as a safe and ideal place for FDHs to work in.

I made the above points to the visiting Philippine Secretary of Labor and Employment, Mr Silvestre H. Bello III, when I hosted a welcome dinner for him and his delegation last Friday to exchange views on matters of mutual interest.

I expressed my gratitude for the sterling contribution made by the 187 000-plus Filipino domestic helpers who have helped release many local women in families with children or elderly to join the local labour force. In response, Secretary Bello thanked the HKSAR Government for our fair treatment of FDHs. He confirmed that Hong Kong has remained one of the most popular work destinations of Filipino domestic workers, as evidenced by the increasing number of Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong over the years. This positive feedback is most encouraging and recognises our unceasing efforts in protecting FDHs and enhancing their well-being.

We reaffirmed that both Governments would continue working earnestly to protect the rights and interest of FDHs through the effective and smooth co-operation afforded by the inter-departmental regular liaison mechanism involving the Philippine Consulate General as well as our Labour Department and Immigration Department. Established in 2014, the mechanism seeks to foster closer co-operation and direct exchange of information so that prompt actions could be taken on cases involving Filipino domestic helpers. On raising FDHs’ awareness about their rights, Secretary Bello recognised the efforts of the HKSAR Government, especially those publicity programmes targeting Filipino workers using their mother language. He assured us that the Philippine Consulate General would continue to work hand-in-hand with us to promote the best interest of FDHs and their employers.

I am glad that Secretary Bello expressed confidence that our proposed Code of Practice for employment agencies, now being finalised by our Labour Department, will effectively deter malpractices and promote the professionalism and standards of employment agencies including those offering placement service of FDHs. I stressed that Hong Kong will not tolerate any abuse or exploitation and the HKSAR Government will spare no effort in taking out prosecution where there is sufficient evidence and the FDHs concerned are willing to act as prosecution witnesses.

On work safety of FDHs, I emphasised that all employers, including FDH employers, must ensure a safe working environment for their employees. The Labour Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Council have been stepping up their publicity and educational efforts for both employers and employees to raise their awareness of the importance of occupational safety.

We had an amicable exchange over various issues such as medical checks of FDHs conducted in their home countries and provision of training for FDHs in Hong Kong with a view to enhancing the quality of FDHs as well as providing more assurance to FDH employers. We also reaffirmed our commitment in continuing to strengthen the monitoring of EAs and to tackle the problem of EAs charging excessive placement fees in the two places.

I valued the opportunity of meeting Secretary Bello during his three-day visit to Hong Kong. I pointed out that the 347 000-plus FDHs in Hong Kong amounted to about one tenth of our labour force. We treasure very much their contribution to Hong Kong's economic growth through unleashing the potential of our female workforce. I look forward to deepening our collaboration in protecting the rights and interests of both FDHs and their employers.

Ends