A Hidden Workforce Making Waves

In the bustling city of Hong Kong, 360,000 foreign domestic helpers are working tirelessly behind the scenes, supporting nearly one-eighth of local households and representing about 10% of the workforce. These dedicated individuals are essential to families, providing invaluable services in childcare and elderly care.

A Historical Shift in Domestic Employment

The story of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong began in the 1970s, coinciding with a period of rapid economic growth and urbanization. As lifestyles grew busier and dual-income households became the norm, the demand for live-in domestic support skyrocketed. In response, the local government implemented policies to allow families to hire foreign helpers when local labor was insufficient.

A Day in the Life: Meet Erlinda

At the break of dawn, we meet Erlinda, a 29-year-old foreign domestic helper from the Philippines. Rising at 6 am, she quietly prepares breakfast, tidies up the home, and ensures the children are ready for school. Once her morning tasks are complete, she heads to the market, gathering ingredients for meals. Fluent in Cantonese after years in the city, her evenings conclude with final checks around the house before preparing to rise early again the next day.

Empowering Local Families

Erlinda's routine is a mirror of the experiences shared by many foreign domestic helpers who enable Hong Kong families to thrive. Most helpers hail from the Philippines and Indonesia, but recently, an influx from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand has also been noted. Those who are bilingual, speaking both Cantonese and English, often find themselves more competitive in the job market.

Integral to Hong Kong's Society

Employment agencies emphasize that foreign domestic helpers have become indispensable pillars of Hong Kong's household services sector. Their contributions not only relieve pressure on local families regarding childcare and elderly care but also play a significant role in shaping the fabric of society.

Standardization of Employment Terms