Measures to protect maids' rights
January 25, 2014
The Government is considering measures to protect foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, including enforcement regulations for employment agencies, Secretary for Labour & Welare Matthew Cheung says.
Speaking to the media after attending a population policy forum today, Mr Cheung said one initiative would require newly-arriving helpers to attend a half-day course held by the Labour Department on their labour rights and occupational safety.
He said the Government is also considering requiring employment agencies to maintain contact with helpers to understand their situation and provide assistance. Other options include requiring the agencies not to get involved in money lending business, and not to hold the helpers' passports.
Mr Cheung said in the short term, the Government will enhance dissemination of information to the helpers, with materials written in their own languages, to tell them about their rights and ways to seek assistance.
