Advertisement
Advertisement
TOPIC

Foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong

Foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong
Since the 1970s, foreign domestic workers have been permitted to stay in Hong Kong to address the city's shortage of local, full-time live-in helpers.
Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong are earning degrees while working full time, with support from non-profit FullPhils. Photo: Handout
United States

‘Never too late’: Filipino domestic helpers pursue degree dreams they put on hold

Having put personal ambitions aside for their families, domestic helpers are now earning degrees while working with support from Hong Kong non-profit FullPhils.

videocam
8
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong to only admit ‘few hundred’ foreign carers a year under pilot scheme

John Lee policy address 2026

Foreign carer scheme may drive up wages, leave poor without help, employers warn

videocam
10
Hong Kong society

Foreign carers for elderly to get 10 to 20% more pay than current helpers

Carers must also have received elderly care training recognised by Hong Kong and possess at least three years of experience looking after older people.

4
The number of people aged 65 and older is projected to increase from about 1.8 million in 2025 to 2.74 million by 2046, at which point more than one in three residents will be elderly. Photo: Karma Lo
Chief Executive John Lee announced in last year’s policy address the formation of a working group on ageing society strategies Photo: Karma Lo
John Lee policy address 2026

Hong Kong launching pilot scheme to bring in foreign carers for the elderly

Chief Executive John Lee says in policy address that the government will admit carers under a scheme modelled on domestic helper regime.

Indonesia

Up to 200 Hong Kong-bound helpers stranded in Indonesia after volcano eruption

Employment agencies association expresses concerns but says ‘contingency plans in place’ if Mount Anak Krakatoa erupts again.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data

3 helpers sacked, issued warnings over use of employer data to secure loans

Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog highlights three cases and says helpers’ actions led to their employers being harassed by debt collectors.

A watchdog has urged domestic workers to obtain their employers’ explicit consent before using their personal data and to avoid recklessly disclosing information to financial institutions to obtain loans. Photo: Getty Images
Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Ada Chun says that each of the cases involved names, phone numbers and addresses originally obtained solely for employment purposes. Photo: Leopold Chen
Two of the cases saw helpers disclose their employers’ personal information to several financial institutions without consent to apply for loans. Photo: Getty Images
Crime in Hong Kong

Domestic helper arrested after girl scalded by hot water in Hong Kong

Source says helper claimed the girl put her hand into a sink before she could test the water temperature, but child’s mother calls account a lie.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong employer groups call for helper wage freeze, warn of mass sackings

‘Many employers are themselves out of work or facing pay cuts or pay freezes,’ group representative says.

24
Hong Kong society

Li Ka Shing Foundation, Disney gift 24,000 domestic helpers Toy Story 5 tickets

Registration on Klook to open at 9pm on Wednesday in latest collaboration between Hong Kong tycoon’s charity foundation and The Walt Disney Company.

8
Foreign domestic helpers at Hong Kong Disneyland during a sponsored visit in April this year. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong society

Filipino workers in Hong Kong allegedly recruited as surrogates for overseas couples

Consulate investigates alleged human trafficking cases, warns that women have been recruited through social media posts by former helpers.

videocam
5
The Hong Kong government’s policy is neither to oppose nor actively encourage the use of surrogacy arrangements, the Health Bureau says. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong courts

Editorial | Court ruling gives employers and domestic helpers much to reflect on

If a helper contracts an illness that renders her unable to perform her duties, what options are available that are fair to both the helper and her employer?

4
Hong Kong

Helpers’ union calls for raising food allowance to HK$2,770, citing inflation

Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions representatives also demand increase in monthly minimum wage to HK$6,670 during Sunday rally.

22
Hong Kong courts

Court awards HK$251,000 to family of late helper sacked during cancer battle

Years-long legal battle involving late Baby Jane Allas comes to end as District Court orders former employer, Jamil Bushra, to pay damages.

5
Baby Jane Allas in 2019. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong courts

Watchdog seeks HK$250,000 for family of late helper sacked during cancer battle

District Court holds hearing to assess how much compensation should be awarded, five years after death of Baby Jane Allas.

9
The late Baby Jane Allas in 2019. Under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, it is unlawful for an employer to fire an employee on the grounds of their disability. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong courts

HK$2,000 bind-over for helper who slapped employer’s child during meal

Hong Kong court imposes three-year good behaviour bond for assault charge after helper slapped girl for refusing to eat her dinner.

Hong Kong

New shelter for Filipino helpers in Hong Kong awaits government green light

Philippine minister says Tai Po villa is bigger and more comfortable than previous shelter, while advocates for domestic helpers welcome facility.

4
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Hong Kong society

Opinion | Hong Kong’s domestic helpers need safe places to work and play

As climate change intensifies and urban space dwindles, migrant workers’ needs must be prioritised.

4
Domestic helpers rest in makeshift shelters in Tsuen Wan on May 24. Photo: Jonathan Wong
The Philippines

‘Number of missing rising’: Filipino helpers in Hong Kong rally for aid after quake

Community groups are seeking to raise HK$20,000 to supply victims in Philippines with food, water and medicine.

Hong Kong workers/labour rights

Editorial | Hong Kong’s domestic workers deserve dignity and cool comfort too

Inclement weather is making life harder for domestic workers who already lack places to rest and face restrictions on using air conditioning.

Hong Kong society

With fewer public spaces for Hong Kong’s helpers, where can they go to unwind?

Helpers are being driven out of areas where they host activities, with NGOs saying more resting places are needed and urging government review.

9
Illustration: Davies Christian
Hong Kong

Hong Kong helpers urge employers to relax ‘air-con ban’ in heatwave

Employer draws widespread online criticism for scolding domestic helper who switched on air conditioner an hour early in hot weather.

12
A domestic helpers’ group says about 80 per cent of its members face restrictions on using air conditioners. Photo: Sam Tsang
Accidents and personal safety

Helper injured, 2 cats die in Hong Kong fire linked to pet water dispenser

Investigators suspect blaze was triggered by electrical fault – such as a short circuit or overheating – linked to pet water dispenser or its charger.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong helpers cry out as popular garden in Central to close for underpass work

Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body says closure of Statue Square Gardens will affect helpers as it serves as vital social hub every Sunday.

15
Hong Kong society

Editorial | Tightened rules for Hong Kong’s money lenders will protect helpers

Moves to regulate the moneylender sector must be accompanied by strengthening law enforcement and stepping up education efforts.

The Asian Migrants Coordinating Body holds a protest to call for a living wage and better working conditions for migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, in front of the Central Government Offices, on May 1. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong

Will Hong Kong’s lending clampdown wean helpers off debt – and save their dreams?

NGOs say regulations should not be so strict that they deny domestic helpers access to loans since they may have legitimate needs such as family emergencies.

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
Hong Kong

‘Nowhere to go’: helpers pushed out of parks spend day off in tents at bus terminus

Helpers in Hong Kong describe difficulty of finding places they can gather after some online posts suggested visitors were setting up tents.

66
Women and gender

Helping the families of the domestic helpers killed in Tai Po fire

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement