First Cambodian helpers arrive in Hong Kong as demand rises and abuse scandals threaten to create shortage
Under a pilot project, six agencies were authorised in August to recruit Cambodian domestic workers to work in Hong Kong
Cambodia on Wednesday sent its first batch of maids to work in Hong Kong, which is scrambling to meet growing demand for domestic helpers after a series of abuse scandals.
Hong Kong is home to more than 300,000 foreign maids, mostly from the Philippines and Indonesia. But high-profile cases of abuse and forced labour have made headlines in recent years and threatened to stem the tide of migrant helpers.
Hong Kong has turned to Cambodia, one of Asia’s poorest countries where the average monthly wage is around US$100, to offset a potential maid shortage.
The city’s population is rapidly ageing and demand for domestic helpers is predicted to soar among those wealthy enough to afford them.
Under the pilot project, six agencies were authorised in August to recruit Cambodian domestic workers to work in Hong Kong.
With that salary, I will be able to support my family
Fourteen women who have received basic training in Cantonese among other skills flew to Hong Kong on Wednesday.