Seven associations yesterday urged the government to scrap the HK$400 a month levy on employers of foreign domestic helpers, calling it unfair.
But five other associations said the government should consider the interests of the workforce before giving in to demands to abolish the levy.
They were invited to express their views before the Legislative Council subcommittee scrutinising an amendment notice to suspend the levy for two years. The government has already suspended the levy and Legco is being asked to endorse the suspension. Unless an objection is received, it will become law.
Dolores Balladares, of the Asian Migrants' Co-ordinating Body, said the levy should be scrapped because it was unjust. 'In 2010, we will again face this issue, and it will be more of a burden considering the possible impact to Hong Kong of the global financial crisis,' she said.
James Collins, of Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, said it was unfair to transfer the financial burden of retraining local workers to migrant domestic helpers.
The associations that wanted the levy to be resumed by 2010 said they were concerned about the Employees Retraining Board's income.