Residents sensitive to the plight of some domestic helpers, abused and exploited by employers, have a chance to show support on 22 November. The Mission For Migrant Workers, the St John’s Cathedral outreach charity, will hold a fund-raising walk from the church to Victoria Peak Garden. The charity aims to raise $400,000 to help pay for its services to domestic workers.
MFMW says it helps Asian women and girls — they are almost all female — among 380,000 migrant workers in Hong Kong. “A lot are underpaid, over-worked, trapped in the vicious circle of debt and discrimination, or are victims of physical and sexual abuse.”
In its most recent report, the charity said among workers who came forward seeking help:
- 96% reported long working hours of 11 to 16 hours with insufficient rest. 44% said they had to work more than 16 hours. Almost half were made to work on their day off before being allowed out. 21% said they were denied a day off. “Covid 19 increased these abuses,” MFMW said.
- 15% said they have been physically abused, 1.5 times the previous year.
- 2% reported rape or sexual harassment, double the percentage of last year.
- 52% do not have a private room and have unsatisfactory sleeping arrangements. 29% complained of poor food.
- 10% said employers had made illegal deductions from wages. MMFW said in the previous year it had recovered $2,312,850 from employers for the women.
- 80% reported overcharging by agencies.
MMFW provides guidance to complaining helpers, case support including paralegals who assist them dealing with government departments and courts, rescue and emergency services and shelter homes.
You can support this exemplary charity by taking part in the walk on 22 November, starting at 11:00 am. Show up at the cathedral. Also if you want to donate go to www.simplygiving.com/nonprofit/mfmw. Companies and individuals can sponsor initiatives by contacting johannie.yan@migrants.net
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