Migrant domestic workers perform an invaluable service to Hong Kong. By taking care of families and children, these migrant workers unlock an estimated US$12.6 billion for the city by letting women taking a career break return to the workforce. They also ensure children are fed, reach school on time and receive the education that sets them up for life. Thus directly helping Hong Kong’s families. Two incomes instead of one help ease the pressure on a single individual in a family. Elders in a family have a dedicated partner to help with their healthcare needs. Making sure a household runs like clockwork takes nothing short of superhuman strength. And providing that strength to Hong Kong are the city’s migrant domestic workers.

Though the contributions of these workers from mostly the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and other South Asian countries are essential, they remain uniquely vulnerable in the face of numerous challenges. 

Despite the protection available to them in Hong Kong, there remains an undeniable gap in their ability to access justice and fair and equal treatment. Protecting them is imperative for the realisation of Hong Kong’s shared future. To achieve this, their unique needs and challenges must be recognised and addressed for sustainable change. Employers play an integral role in ensuring an equal and mutually beneficial employment relationship.