Between a Rock and a Hard Place - Philippine and Hong Kong governments fail to stop agencies - from charging migrant domestic workers illegal fees
2016-12-28
Filipino migrant domestic workers are charged illegal fees by unscrupulous employment agencies in both the Philippines and Hong Kong. The practice is widespread and government systems to prevent such illegal activities are not fit for purpose. As a result, many migrant domestic workers have little choice but to pay these exorbitant fees and are heavily indebted, making it difficult to leave exploitative and abusive employers.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place, a report and short documentary film published today by the Progressive Labor Union of Domestic Workers - Hong Kong (PLUDWHK) and Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Union (FADWU), documents the illegal activities of employment agencies in the Philippines and Hong Kong, and the failure of both governments to protect the rights of Filipino migrant domestic workers.
"Our research clearly demonstrates that significant numbers of agencies are systematically charging Filipino migrant domestic workers fees well in excess of the legal maximum. Yet despite this, very few are ever charged and prosecuted in the Philippines or Hong Kong," said Shiella Estrada, Chair of the PLUDW-HK.