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EOC Expresses Concern on Plight of Infected FDWs

24/02/2022

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is deeply concerned about the news of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) being fired and turned out of homes on testing positive for Covid-19. According to some news reports, they have had to sleep outdoors without proper treatment and quarantine support.

EOC Chairperson, Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, said, “The EOC is deeply concerned about these reported incidents. These may constitute disability discrimination under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO), Cap. 487. The EOC welcomes FDWs and members of the public to contact us for enquiry on the protections against unreasonable dismissal under the DDO, or to lodge complaints.”

The DDO makes it unlawful for an employer to dismiss an employee on the grounds of their sickness, whether presumed or confirmed. It is also a violation of the Employment Ordinance.

Besides reasons of the law, the EOC urges employers to show compassion and consideration to their domestic workers at a time when society as a whole is facing a monumental challenge. Mr CHU adds, “This is a difficult time for everyone in Hong Kong including foreign domestic workers who have always been supportive and keeping our families safe and healthy.  How can we turn our backs on them when they are sick and need our help?  Taking care of your sick domestic workers is not only your obligation as their employers, but also a duty as a responsible citizen to prevent the pandemic from spreading, despite any fear of infection.”

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Equal Opportunities Commission
24 February 2022
 

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