Eight cases of domestic helper exploitation have been reported in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay in the past 12 months, according to Christian Action, a non-subvented charity that supports the underprivileged. The exploitation involved employers illegally refusing to pay the minimum helper wage and not allowing rest days nor annual leave. Some women were illegally terminated. In all eight cases the victims were taken into Christian Action’s shelters and given information on their legal rights until their claims were resolved.
Our source is Justin Murgai, Manager of Humanitarian Services at Christian Action. Here’s what he had to say:
“Migrant workers have basic entitlements. We have seen reported cases of workers being improperly paid, terminated without notice and without wages. They are entitled to a rest day, usually Sunday, but some were forced to work seven days a week non-stop. Some were made to work very long hours, as much as 18 hours a day, and were denied annual leave. Unfortunately there are still no laws in Hong Kong to specify maximum working hours. Also, some were not provided with proper accommodation and food.”
Justin said in all of the eight cases the women were given accommodation at one of CA’s two shelters, as well as support from the charity’s Centre for Migrant Domestic Workers. Staff supported domestic workers to file claims, navigated each case through the courts or the Labour Tribunal, and escorted the women when attending these institutions to ensure they were not pressured.
Christian Action is headed by Ho Chung resident Cheung-Ang Siew Mei, who sometimes leads the singing at Resurrection Church, Pak Sha Wan. Christian Action has been providing access to justice, shelter and other services to migrant workers since 1993 and remains one of the only agencies in Hong Kong providing services for this minority.
Asked about CA’s record handling these cases, Justin said, “We have a 95% success rate using institutional channels. The victims stayed in our homes for about a month until their claims were resolved.” Some workers have found new jobs; two have gone back to their home countries. “Once we have ensured their claims are settled, we no longer keep track of their progress unless they need further assistance. But they know they can seek our support at any time.”
Christian Action ranks among the largest and most effective charities in Hong Kong. Donations are accepted. www.christian-action.org.hk
POLICE REPORT: ONE RECENT CASE OF PHYSICAL ABUSE OF HELPER
SAI KUNG BUZZ asked the Sai Kung police if they have had any recent reports of abuse of domestic helpers. Senior Inspector Max Yip said there has been one recent case of physical abuse.
In Sai Kung Town a female employer came home drunk. She hit the helper’s arm once. A day later a report was made to the police. The victim said her arm was painful, but there was no superficial injury.
Max said the helper later did not want to pursue the case and asked for the complaint to be withdrawn, but did not give a reason for her withdrawal. No charge has been laid. Chief Inspector Daniel Tsang said the police cannot act if the maid refuses to testify.
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