HONG KONG - The case of a Filipina domestic worker in Hong Kong who was sacked after being diagnosed with cervical cancer - leaving her without healthcare - shines a light on the exploitation of tens of thousands of foreign women who toil as maids in the wealthy city.
"I want to finish my contract... because I have five children, only me, I am single mother," Ms Allas said, her voice breaking as tears ran down her face.Nearly 370,000 domestic helpers work in the city - mostly poor women from the Philippines and Indonesia - often performing menial tasks for low wages while living in poor conditions.But rights campaigners say domestic helpers are routinely exploited, with laws providing them little protection.
Ms Allas spent just over a year working for a family of Pakistani origin who ordered her to perform tasks even on her one day off each week. She landed a job with an American, Ms Jessica Cutrera, who has since taken Ms Allas in, helping her to fight her case and starting an online fundraising campaign to pay her medical bills, which has so far raised some US$43,000.
'PREVALENT DISCRIMINATION' Ms Allas has filed a complaint with the labour department and her visa extension has given her a temporary reprieve while she fights her case. The department told AFP it would provide"appropriate assistance". Under Hong Kong law, employers must cover helpers' medical expenses and are advised to take out insurance.
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Source: BusinessTimes - 🏆 15. / 51 Read more »