Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong are set to get a larger shelter from their consulate, with some groups hoping their years-long demand for a new facility will result in more “flexible” arrangements to better suit the needs of distressed migrant workers.
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Unions and organisations said the current shelter operated by the Philippine consulate was insufficient to deal with the demand, pointing to similar lodgings offered by NGOs that were also frequently full and struggling to stay afloat.
Speaking at a forum in Hong Kong earlier this month, Philippine Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers Hans Cacdac promised to open a new consulate-run shelter for migrant workers in the city, according to those in attendance.
The November 9 forum, organised by the Progressive Labour Union of Domestic Workers in Hong Kong (PLU), brought together about 70 people to discuss issues affecting Filipino migrant workers.
The event coincided with a consultation workshop hosted by the Philippines’ Migrant Workers Office on the same day.
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While Cacdac did not provide exact details such as a possible location or timeline for when the new facility would open, PLU assistant secretary Janice Andeza said he did promise it would be larger than the current one.