VOICES
How migrant domestic workers integrate into Hong Kong families By Evan Yip | Photography by Jake Chan | Layout by Maegan Wang
Many families in Hong Kong employ migrant domestic workers, also known as “helper”, “maid”, or “auntie”. While they may go by different names, domestic workers in Hong Kong serve the same important purpose. They take care of the house, and assist with domestic responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning and serving. Domestic workers also care for the children and elderly of families, naturally forming strong bonds through their selfless work. However, most in Hong Kong take their work for granted, and few are aware of the history of migrant domestic workers and the role they play in Hong Kong society, as an integral part of its social, economic and cultural identity. Often disregarded and overlooked, migrant domestic workers serve as the backbone of Hong Kong’s economy. These domestic workers allow Hong Kong families to earn dual streams of income, as they convert the typical stay-at-home parent to one that can work full time. They do this by alleviating the pressures of household duties that typically require a family member to devote full time towards. This is significantly beneficial towards women, who are commonly restricted by childcaring duties. According to a study by the NGO Enrich, only 49 percent of mothers aged 25 to 52 choose to work without a migrant domestic worker. However, this number jumps dramatically to 78 percent when they do. In fact, migrant domestic workers are estimated to contribute HK$98.9 billion to Hong Kong’s economy, a staggering 3.9 percent of its GDP (Enrich). This serves as a significant help to increase opportunities for women, benefiting gender diversity throughout Hong Kong. Furthermore, by increasing the opportunity for parents to take jobs, this unlocks further productivity while detracting minimally from the stability of families. 26 XH26.indd 26
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Yet, in spite of domestic workers’ remarkable contribution to Hong Kong, there still is a stigma that domestic workers should not be considered “a part of Hong Kong”. Around Hong Kong, there still is a belief that the contributions of domestic workers are negligible, that they are providing a basic service that is expendable. There also is a belief that all money given to them would only go to the economies of countries they came from in the form of remittances. In reality, the contributions of domestic workers far outweigh the expenses they take, benefiting the economy in a selfless way. Additionally, there is an undeniable level of discrimmination against domestic workers of all races, and this is a racial perception many people in Hong Kong are subject to. As ordered by employers, domestic workers are sometimes banned from continuing their religious practices. Cases have surfaced where Muslim women from Indonesia are threatened with an immediate termination of their contracts if ever caught praying or fasting within the home. There have also been reports of segregation and employers demanding that domestic workers use separate showers and wash their clothes in communal areas, under the excuse of costly water bills. Furthermore, the power dynamic between employer and employee makes it near impossible for domestic workers to revolt against these established “rules”. Some employers have even blocked employees from interacting with fellow domestic workers, when around the apartment complex, in some cases even switching or denying a rest day to go out. Furthermore, there has been anecdotal evidence of overt discrimination from Hong Kong citizens. Hong Kong politician Eunice Yung Hoi-yan stated
XIAO HUA 27/5/2022 7:23 AM
