Hong Kong’s Migrant Domestic Workers being forced onto the streets because of COVID fears
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 11:10PM | Share Article 
“Since mid-February we have received approximately 100 urgent requests for help from migrant domestic workers (MDW’s). Since the outbreak of this latest strain of COVID-19, some of our services to them have been seriously disrupted. Many are now infected and urgently need places to quarantine. Some have been fired and had to endure staying on the streets for hours. It is a nightmare! We take care of the girls and provide them with medicine, rapid test kits and other daily necessities. Fortunately 4 of them have recovered.” - Vivi Tusmiati Vistamika, Staff member at our Domestic Worker’s Service Centre
Hong Kong is in the midst of a fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. One tragic consequence of this is that some families have been so gripped by fear that they have forced their Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) out of their homes and onto the streets. In many cases MDW’s have been left to fend for themselves and sleep in parks, tents or even sleeping in their employers’ cars!
To raise awareness of the problems MDWs are facing, I attended an online press conference lined-up by Election Committee Member Dr Hon WONG Yuen-shan. I shared that we should resist fear and that it is inhumane for employers to expel MDWs from their homes. As they live in small apartments, this tension can only be solved if government can arrange suitable quarantine places.
Anis Linhana, who is an Indonesian domestic worker, got infected on 13 February. When her employer fired her we took her into our shelter. In addition to accommodation we provided her with medicine, vitamin supplements, sanitary napkins, clothes and grocery vouchers. Thankfully she is now fully recovered! Anis wants to thank Christian Action for giving her hope and security at her time of greatest need, helplessness and hopelessness.
We are doing everything possible to help MDWs in need, but we need your help. Please help us provide IMMEDIATE relief packages to MDWs - DONATE NOW.
Preparing relief packages
Reader Comments