Sacking domestic workers jeopardizes Hong Kong’s international reputation, says labor secretary

The sacking of foreign domestic workers infected with Covid-19 has become a diplomatic issue that may undermine Hong Kong’s reputation as an international city, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong said. 

In the blog post Sunday, Law took note of international news outlets’ reports on the plight of domestic helpers during Hong Kong’s fifth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Reports of homeless domestic helpers fired after testing positive for coronavirus have sparked anger in their home countries,” said Law. “Their governments have rightfully spoken out for them.”

According to a Reuters report, the Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions had received over 20 cases of domestic helpers who had tested positive for Covid being fired.

Law emphasized that employers should be responsible for the well being of domestic helpers. He warned employers that they could be prosecuted for “unreasonable” dismissal, and barred from hiring helpers again.

The Labour Department has warned employers could face fines of up to HK$100,000 for sacking those infected.

“This is not simply a local issue. It is a diplomatic one,” he wrote.

Law wrote to the Philippine consulate general, explaining the Hong Kong government’s support and protection for foreign domestic helpers.

Law said that most domestic workers are well-treated under Hong Kong’s labor policies, and that Hong Kong has been touted as a shining example for its treatment of its migrant workforce.

According to the blog post, authorities have successfully stopped foreign domestic helpers from gathering on holidays to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

In February alone, law enforcement issued a total of 51 fixed penalty notices to domestic workers who did not comply with the government’s social distancing regulations.

Last month, an online crowdfunding initiative raised over HK$107,000 for domestic workers facing Covid-19 fines over double their average monthly pay. But it was axed shortly after authorities claimed campaigners may be suspected of abetting crime.