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EOC commemorates International Domestic Workers Day
Every year, International Domestic Workers Day is observed on 16 June to celebrate the contributions of domestic workers and draws attention to their needs. In Hong Kong, over 300 000 migrant domestic workers support the comfort and wellbeing of many families.
To mark this special day, the EOC and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong jointly organised a panel discussion on 29 June 2023, titled “Promoting Mental Wellbeing of Domestic Workers: Rewards & Responsibilities”. The discussion explored the unique challenges faced by migrant domestic workers, including separation anxiety, language barrier and cultural differences. The panel sought ways to support migrant domestic workers to ensure their happiness and safety at work.
The speakers included Prof Emily CHENG Qi-jin, Assistant Professor from the Department of Social Work at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr Mike CHEUNG, President of Overseas Group Inc, Ms Johannie TONG, Community Relation Officer from Mission for Migrant Workers, Mr Vikas MEHRA, Managing Director of HSBC Global Services (Hong Kong) Ltd, and Ms Maria Veronica JOSE from Help for Domestic Workers. The panel also discussed what corporates can do to ensure their employees are good employers to their domestic workers.
To further spread the message of protecting the rights and promoting the mental wellbeing of domestic workers to the wider public, EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin wrote an article in local newspapers, calling on employers to provide migrant domestic workers with safe and humane work environments that offer privacy, proper rest arrangement and necessary healthcare.
“Migrant domestic workers are vulnerable to prejudices and discrimination arising from their socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. Being separated from their families and not being part of a supportive network can adversely affect mental wellbeing and also hinder access to help in case of mental distress,” Mr Chu wrote.
Mr Chu suggested employment agencies should be enlisted as partners to educate employers on essential laws to prevent unlawful behaviour towards domestic workers. Employers should be offered online training to learn about their obligations in the employment relationship.
