HONG KONG could be accused of breaching international labour agreements if it excludes migrant workers from the Mandatory Provident Fund, a top government official said yesterday.
Acting Secretary for Education and Manpower Jacqueline Willis said the territory was obliged to provide equal treatment to migrant workers and other residents on issues such as social security and old age benefits.
Ms Willis was referring to criticism of the Government's decision to include low-income earners, among them domestic helpers, who earn less than $4,000 a month.
Government statistics showed there were about 242,900 people who belonged to this category. About 150,000 are domestic helpers from the Philippines and other Asian countries.
The Executive Council on Tuesday endorsed a decision to make low-income earners entitled to benefits from contributions paid by their employers, although they can opt out of the scheme.
Ms Willis said it was wrong to say that only domestic helpers would benefit from the amendment.