Send a few of the slaverers in jail or with a fine that will make people think twice about trying to enslave others. Of course that would mean that the government actually cares about what happens to foreign domestic workers...
Why end slavery when you can take advantage of it yourself. Just like most things in life, we wouldn't want to inconvenience the business community...
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09-11-2009, 11:30 PM #21
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09-11-2009, 11:33 PM #22
Anyone underpaying their helper and any agency that charges an extortionate fee should be penalized (in cash) immediately, and the money should be given to the helper. The helper should receive an entire contract worth of pay if they are ripped off in either way (3.7k x 24, for example), and an air ticket home.
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09-11-2009, 11:40 PM #23
Or indeed a reasonable amount of time (say two months, not two weeks) in which to find a new job here.Anyone underpaying their helper and any agency that charges an extortionate fee should be penalized (in cash) immediately, and the money should be given to the helper. The helper should receive an entire contract worth of pay if they are ripped off in either way (3.7k x 24, for example), and an air ticket home.
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10-11-2009, 07:45 AM #24
Yep, that would work--they'd also need the right to live on their own during that two-month period. I can't imagine their employers wanting them around after they've been penalized for underpaying their helpers.
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10-11-2009, 07:57 AM #25
in the case of agencies skimming huge fees for many months, I'm sure there are many employers who are sympathetic to the plight of the helpers, after all, it's not the employer gouging the helper of their pay, but the agency...we are in the process of hiring an Indonesian helper at the mo, and we will be doing our best to make sure she keeps the money she has earned from us. I have no qualms about raising a stink with LD if it can help...
further to the 'rules', my take on the article is that a first time helper is subject to (the words from the consulate were 'can pay') the 21000 fee, but beginning with their second contract they are not required to pay this fee...Last edited by timklip; 10-11-2009 at 07:59 AM.
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10-11-2009, 09:33 AM #26
In theory yes - in practise no. Many are paying hefty fees for second or third contracts if they break or get terminated. The helpers are not aware of their rights or if they are they keep silent so as not to rock the boat. The agents take advantage of this.
Another 'trick' is that some Agents find employers for girls knowing full well the employer will fire the girl once her 6 months are up (and the fees paid). IMHO, employers who persistently terminate contracts prematurely should be banned from hiring helpers for a certain period of time.
The situation will only improve when the Indonesian government allows direct hire. I expect to see snowfall in HK before that happens...
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10-11-2009, 09:38 AM #27
most of the indonesian speaks either Cantonese or Mandarin, but Philipino can speak better English, and I feel they got better education level in their home country...
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10-11-2009, 09:48 AM #28
All it would need would be to take a couple of the undercover police out of Wan Chai for a day or so. Get them to pose as prospective employers, catch them overcharging their new helpers - prosecute them heavily and take their licence to operate as an agency away. Bingo, problem solved.
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10-11-2009, 09:57 AM #29
Sadly nothing will ever change in Hong Kong, Asia's World City. Pity really.
At least Canada has finally woken up to its disgraceful treatment of abused helpers and is now punishing the abusers and helping the caregivers, not deporting them. If only Hong Kong could get a clue, but I'm not holding my breath.
'Guest worker' abuses blasted - thestar.com
Last month, Ottawa moved to ensure that employers who abuse foreign workers will be blacklisted and denied permission to hire another foreigner for two years.
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10-11-2009, 06:12 PM #30
Not entirely true.
Though most of the Indonesian DHs are able to speak Cantonese, they do so only after staying here for a year or two. They are more likely to show a willingness to assimilate and improve their chances of being hired by employers (esp. those that use Cantonese as their primary language of communication).
Whereas, most Filipino DHs would communicate in English primarily, and don't make any significant attempts to learn Cantonese unless they have been here for more than a few years. Having said that, I've also noticed exceptions as well.
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Originally Posted by jayinhongkong:
