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Hong Kong’s domestic workers worry for their children’s futures, as many spend another Christmas far from home
- Pregnant domestic workers and those who are far from their children are among those struggling the most amid Covid-19 restrictions
- As many are forced to spend another Christmas away from their families, specialists warn of impact on their mental health and the need to better support them
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Mary*, a 32-year-old domestic worker from the Philippines, had her world turned upside down when she realised she was pregnant – about six months ago, amid the Covid-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.
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“I was happy and nervous. I wasn’t expecting to get pregnant,” said the single mother, who has been working in the city for nearly three years after a short stint in Saudi Arabia, and has a 10-year-old son back home in the Philippines.
Her pregnancy journey has been plagued by uncertainty.
“Being pregnant during the pandemic has been really tough. I knew that my employer could terminate [my employment]. I was afraid and I still fear what is going to happen next,” she said.
Mary is among thousands of female domestic workers in Hong Kong whose lives have been upended by the city’s strict Covid-19 restrictions.
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As they spend yet another Christmas away from home, those who are pregnant or are far away from their children face increased pressure.
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