HONG KONG — On International Domestic Workers Day, the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body Hong Kong (AMCB-IMA HKM) honored the contributions of over 300,000 migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Hong Kong, while renewing calls for better wages, regulated working hours, and stronger labor protections. The group relaunched its 3Ws campaign—focused on securing a living wage, regulating working hours, and upholding workers’ rights—highlighting persistent exploitation and discrimination faced by MDWs.
Migrant domestic workers, primarily from countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, play a vital role in Hong Kong, caring for children and the elderly, and enabling families to contribute to the city’s workforce. Yet, according to AMCB-IMA HKM, their working conditions remain dire, with many enduring excessively long hours, denied rest days, and unfair terminations.
From January to June 2025, the Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Union (IMWU), Filipino Migrant Workers’ Union (FMWU), and Mission for Migrant Workers Union (MFMW) documented 916 complaints from MDWs. Of these, 376 workers—41%—reported working 11 to 16 hours daily, while 11% worked over 16 hours. Additionally, more than 11% of MDWs were denied regular rest days, with some facing curfews or being required to work even on their designated day off, despite contractual guarantees of a 24-hour rest period.
Terminations are another pressing issue. At least 349 cases were reported in the past six months, with 4% initiated by employers. AMCB-IMA HKM noted that MDWs face accusations of “job-hopping” when attempting to leave exploitative conditions, while employers can terminate contracts at will. “MDWs seem to have no right to change employers, even if they are struggling,” said Shiela, a spokesperson for AMCB-IMA HKM.
Wage disparities also persist. MDWs are excluded from Hong Kong’s statutory minimum wage, leaving them with what the group calls “slave wages.” AMCB-IMA HKM is advocating for a living wage of HK$6,172 (approximately $793 USD), arguing that current pay fails to reflect the critical contributions of MDWs to Hong Kong society.
The group’s demands align with the International Labour Organization’s Domestic Workers Convention (ILO C189), which calls for equal treatment and standardized working conditions for domestic workers. AMCB-IMA HKM also urged clearer guidelines on suitable accommodations and an end to discriminatory practices. Beyond immediate reforms, the organization emphasized addressing the root causes of migration by creating job opportunities in workers’ home countries to prevent family separations.
“MDWs are the backbone of many Hong Kong households, yet they are devalued and discriminated against,” said JP, another AMCB-IMA HKM spokesperson. “On this day, we celebrate their contributions and demand justice.”
The campaign comes amid decades of labor export policies in the Asia-Pacific region, which AMCB-IMA HKM says have done little to improve MDWs’ conditions. As Hong Kong continues to rely on migrant labor, the group’s push for systemic change underscores the urgency of addressing these longstanding issues.
