The Hong Kong government is providing a range of benefits to foreign domestic helpers affected by the Tai Po fire, including financial assistance, medical support, accommodation, and assistance with documentation.
For Deceased Victims’ Families
Families of foreign domestic helpers who died in the fire are expected to receive approximately HK$800,000 (appx. Php 6,000,000.00) in total from the government, comprising the following components:
- Statutory Compensation: Over HK$500,000 in compensation under the law.
- Condolence Money: A one-off “token of solidarity” payment of HK$200,000.
- Funeral Expenses: An additional subsidy of HK$50,000 to cover funeral and related costs.
- Funeral Arrangements: The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is assisting with funeral arrangements, including body claims, cremation services, and niche applications, with fees waived for public services.
The Labour Department is working with consulates (e.g., the Philippine and Indonesian consulates) to ensure the money is distributed to the genuine family members of the deceased.
For Injured or Surviving Victims
Foreign domestic helpers who survived or were injured in the fire are eligible for various forms of support:
- Subsidy for Survivors: A special one-off subsidy of HK$20,000 to cover loss of income and destroyed personal belongings.
- Injury Grant: For those who were injured and required hospitalization, a relief fund of either HK$50,000 or HK$100,000, depending on the length of their hospital stay.
- Immediate Cash/Travel Assistance: An Octopus card pre-loaded with HK$2,000 to facilitate daily travel needs.
- Medical Fee Waivers: Full waivers for medical fees at Hospital Authority facilities and access to free, personalised case management services through District Health Centres.
- Accommodation: Access to free temporary housing, including youth hostels, camps, and hotel rooms, until they can find permanent homes.
- Employment/Visa Flexibility: The Immigration Department has pledged to be “as flexible as possible” in handling visa extensions and new employment applications for those whose employment contracts were affected by the fire.
- Personal Document Replacement: Special services for the free replacement of essential documents like HKID cards, passports, and birth certificates without an appointment.
- Welfare Support: Assignment of a social worker to each affected household to guide them through application processes for aid and provide psychological support.
The government has established a “Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po” to manage donations and provide long-term assistance, in addition to the immediate relief measures.
