Welcome to “The Help”, a series brought to you in partnership with HK Helpers Campaign and Mission for Migrant Workers. These stories come directly from some of Hong Kong’s 320,000 foreign domestic workers. Everyone deserves a voice.
I have spent two periods of my life working in Hong Kong as a domestic worker. My first time was in 1994 when I stayed for 10 years, and the second was when I decided to come back five years ago. I came back to earn money, I guess.
My transition to this city was smooth, but the agency which oversaw the visa and matching charged too much. Nonetheless, I think it was worth the effort.
Currently I work for an expat family, and luckily I’ve liked both my employers so far. No problems at all. They’re perfectly fine.
Compared to my first stay over 20 years ago, I’ve noticed some profound changes in the city. The economy was better and streets were cleaner in 1994. Now there are too many people. You could trust anyone before the handover, but not quite anymore…
I usually send my money to my hometown in Mindanao for my family. Relying on my monthly HKD900 food allowance can be tough at times because of the high living cost and, of course, food is cheaper back home. If I buy meat here I usually go for fish or chicken, because my food allowance won’t cover anything more than that.
Like many others, I travel back to the Philippines at the end of each two-year contract. I miss home – two years is too long. I’d like to go home every year. My daughter is nine years old afterall!
Life in Hong Kong is satisfying. At the end, you make yourself happy because you’re alone here. You try your best to stay happy. If you always think about your family then you get homesick. It’s all about your mindset.
I am lucky to have my friends around me, especially at Victoria Park. If you party all the time, you’ll lose money. We don’t go to central because it’s too crowded. In here there are more Indonesians, but we chose this place because it’s greener and less crowded.
I’d love to stay here and work. In my case, Hong Kong is treating me well, even the government. My only comment is that the food allowance is too low, but the salary for me is okay.
We get fair treatment from the government, and helpers are supported here. I haven’t worked in other countries besides Hong Kong, but the policies are good and I’m looking forward to returning to work after my current contract.
I don’t want to go to another country – we have rights here. It’s a nice place. I like Hong Kong.
If you’re a Hong Kong domestic worker for a story, good or bad, to tell, email us at the address below.
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