HONG KONG — A migrant workers alliance accused Hong Kong’s Immigration Department of unfairly penalizing domestic workers who leave their jobs, saying allegations of “job-hopping” ignore poor working conditions and the financial risks of ending contracts early.
The Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, known as AMCB-IMA HKM, said workers seeking better conditions were being accused of changing employers improperly and subsequently denied work visas.
“There is nothing wrong with seeking better working conditions; yet, why are migrant domestic workers being penalized and maliciously accused of ‘job-hopping’ and subsequently denied work visas?” Dolores Balladares, a spokesperson for the group, said in a statement.
The alliance called job-hopping a “myth,” arguing that restrictions on workers and the costs of finding new employment make early termination a hardship rather than an easy route to another job.
Balladares cited what the group described as the “two-week rule,” saying workers whose contracts are terminated face having to leave Hong Kong, lose their livelihoods and restart the recruitment process.
The group said reasons for ending contracts early include inhumane working conditions, inadequate accommodation, a lack of regular rest days, and physical and psychological abuse. Its statement did not provide figures on early contract terminations or visa denials.
“Instead of punishing MDWs who terminate their contracts, shouldn’t the Hong Kong government ensure that these workers — who care for Hong Kong families — are treated with dignity, rather than like slaves?” said SringAtin, another representative of the alliance.
The group urged the government to stop accusing workers of job-hopping and focus instead on ensuring humane working and living conditions.
