Thousands of Filipino domestic helpers to see arrival in Hong Kong halted over recruitment concerns
Archipelago nation’s labour officials cite ‘certain unscrupulous individuals’ as reason for suspension
Thousands of Filipino domestic helpers planning to work in Hong Kong will have their arrival delayed by at least three weeks after their government announced a halt in the export of labour effective from Monday.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong estimated that the move could affect about 1,000 local families.
Expand subsidy plan for domestic helpers to include more low-income elderly Hongkongers, officials urged
The department said the suspension came after it had identified “persistent reports of illegal recruitment” and “pernicious activities of certain unscrupulous individuals preying on Filipinos”. It added the suspension could be extended beyond December 1.
But those hired by international organisations or diplomats were to be exempted from the suspension.
Speaking on a radio programme on Saturday, Law said the Philippine government did not tell him about the move beforehand and he had since contacted the Philippine consulate in the city to express concern.
“I believe this [ban] has no direct link to Hong Kong. Of course, we hope we won’t be affected unfairly,” Law said. “We will look into what measures we can take to help these families.”