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SCMP Reporter

The number of Filipino maids has been on the rise in Hong Kong. Many families hire a maid to do the housework if all family members work or study.

   Yet there are problems which arise with so many Filipino women coming to the territory to earn money as domestic helpers.

  As more helpers pour into Hong Kong, many people have begun complaining about the inconvenience they cause when they gather in public places on Sundays and public holidays.

  Moreover, as the unemployment problem becomes more serious, people point the finger to some extent at domestic helpers.

  But are Filipino maids really a nuisance to Hong Kong people? I do not think so.

  In fact, they are of great help to us. Think about it. When all the adult family members go to work, who is left to look after the children?   And who is going to do all the housework? Who is going to cook the meals?   It would be a nightmare if Hong Kong women had to do the housework and cooking after a busy day at the office.

  Besides, their pay is so low. Imagine getting all that help for only $4,000. Most middle-class families can afford to hire a helper. And this is one of the reasons that there are so many domestic helpers.

  In addition, there are few employment opportunities in the Philippines, especially for women, so most of them have to work abroad.

  It is hard for them to leave their country and family, but they have no choice because they have to earn money to support their families.

  Some people claim Filipino maids have stolen the jobs of domestic workers, resulting in unemployment. But how many Chinese people are really willing to work as maids, especially for so little money?   Maids have to work 24 hours a day with only one day off each week. Most local workers would not be willing to do this.

  I think the main causes of unemployment are the influx of illegal immigrant workers and the changing economic structure - not the increase in numbers of domestic helpers.

  Besides unemployment, many people also complain about the maids gathering in parks and playgrounds on public holidays. People complain about the noise they make and the garbage they leave behind.

  I think that Hong Kong people are no different. But we have places to go and family to see, so we do not have to hang around on street corners and in parks.

  These gatherings mean a lot to the helpers because it is their only chance to get together and talk about their homeland and families. They work very hard and they work long hours. They are not machines - they also need to relax and chat.

  I think the Government should set up more facilities for them. You cannot blame them for gathering in parks and causing inconvenience to the general public when they have no place to go.

  I want to stress that I do not think Filipino maids are a nuisance. I am sure a lot of families cannot do without them.

  Nothing is perfect. There are advantages and disadvantages to all things. We should appreciate what maids do for us and how they can help us, instead of looking at the negative side of things.

Chan Sip-ling is a Form Seven pupil at the Jockey Club Ti-I College 



Filipino maids an asset