Domestic helpers union stages rally outside Philippine consulate in Hong Kong over labour ban

An estimated 15,000 outbound workers seeking employment worldwide are now in limbo as three-week suspension is under way

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Members of a union for Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong hold a protest outside the consulate at United Centre Building. Photo: David Wong

Published: 2:45pm, 15 Nov 2017Updated: 3:07pm, 15 Nov 2017

Members of a union for Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong staged a rally outside the Philippine consulate in Admiralty on Wednesday, demanding compensation for those bound for the city but affected by a labour export ban in their home country.

On the third day of a three-week suspension of the overseas employment certificate by the Philippine government, an estimated 15,000 outbound Filipino workers who are seeking employment worldwide are now stuck in limbo, jobless and in debt.

Locally, 20 members of the United Filipinos in Hong Kong, a union of 6,000 domestic helpers in the city, are calling for full compensation from the Philippine government for the loss of income for those affected. They are also urging city authorities to press for the ban to be lifted.

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The overseas employment certificate is necessary for all outbound workers from the archipelago nation to seek work abroad, including domestic helpers.

The Philippines’ labour and employment department announced the ban last Friday, citing “persistent reports of illegal recruitment” and “pernicious activities of certain unscrupulous individuals preying on Filipinos”.

Union chairwoman Dolores Balladares-Pelaez said an estimated 75,000 outgoing workers seeking employment worldwide – including those in nursing and skilled labour – would be affected by the ban. Besides Hong Kong, their other intended destinations include Singapore, Malaysia, Europe and the Middle East.

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About 210 Hong Kong-bound domestic helpers are unable to come to the city.