Talk of the town：Foreign domestic helpers say ''NO'' to hunger at work
【明報專訊】Due to Hong Kong's economic development during the 1970s, the government allowed the importation of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in order to meet the demand for domestic helpers. As of the end of 2022, there were around 338,000 FDHs in Hong Kong. 56.2% and 41.4% of them came from the Philippines and Indonesia respectively. The employers are required to provide benefits to FDHs, but there are cases of FDHs being denied their basic human rights — having enough food.
Caritas Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project and a group concerned with FDHs' rights to food have interviewed 471 FDHs to learn about their meals. The survey showed that 36% of the interviewed FDHs felt hungry at work, 69% of them felt unenergetic, and 69% felt unwell. Some of the interviewees did not even have any meal arrangements by their employers.
Tina, an Indonesian maid who has worked in Hong Kong for more than 10 years, says that her former employer's meal arrangement often leaves her ''starving''. She is a Muslim, but her former employer mistakenly believes that she can accept foods cooked with lard. Tina is worried that she will be not able to complete the contract if she raises the subject of meals to her employer.
Eligibility for hiring foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, only Hong Kong residents with a monthly household income of no less than HK$15,000 or assets of a comparable amount to support the expenses for the entire contractual period are considered eligible to hire an FDH.
An employer is required to pay or provide the following: (See the table)
If you have a foreign domestic helper at your home, remember to take your hat off to him/her and provide what he/she deserves!
◆Grammar Booster
Take your hat off to
''Take your hat off to (someone)'' is an idiom to show admiration, respect, or a congratulation for something they have done.
E.g. I take my hat off to the concern group for supporting the homeless.
■Gear up
The total salary (including food allowance) for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong can be HK$6000 per month. (True/False)
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
importation (n) 進口
lard (n) (烹調用的)豬油
comparable (adj) 可比的
insurance (n) 保險
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第387期]
Horizon：Exploring national drinks from around the world
【明報專訊】What is your favourite drink? Do you usually prefer soft drinks ... 詳情
