THE matter elicits much righteous hand-wringing from time to time. But now, at long last, it looks as if something is going to be done about it.
We refer to the weekly sit-in of Filipino maids at Statue Square - a subject destined to attract mixed emotions whenever it is raised.
For plans are afoot to establish several civic centres where the domestic workers can spend their free time in an agreeable environment.
And - surprise, surprise - the Hong Kong Government, which hitherto had shown little interest in the plight of the maids just as long as breakfast was served on time and the shirts got ironed, is in on the plan.
At the forefront of the scheme is a new organisation called the Bayanihan (a Tagalog word meaning ''community spirit'') Trust.
The trust is headed by Filipino businessman Manuel Pangilinan, who is managing director of First Pacific.
Included on its board of trustees is Angelita Ramos Jones, the Hong Kong-based daughter of Philippine President Fidel Ramos.