‘Landmark decision’ by Hong Kong Labour Tribunal lets domestic helper appear at hearing via video link from the Philippines

Hong Kong’s Labour Tribunal will for the first time allow a former domestic worker to appear in court via video link, in what a charity called a landmark decision that paves the way for migrant workers to pursue claims from abroad.

At a hearing on Tuesday afternoon, the tribunal, which handles monetary disputes between companies and employees, granted permission for Mallorca Domingo to appear on September 16 from the Philippines, according to Justice Without Borders.

While conference calling is sometimes used in trials at the High Court and District Court, the practice has not been used by the tribunal.

A spokesman for the judiciary said whether a person would be allowed to give evidence by way of a live television link from a place outside Hong Kong was the decision of the court or tribunal concerned.

All previous cases have required the claimant to be physically present at the tribunal in Yau Ma Tei.

The precondition meant many had to forgo their claims if they returned home, or were forced to stay unemployed in the city if they chose to pursue them, Justice Without Borders said.