Hong Kong, March 9, 2025 – A disturbing pattern of injustice has emerged in Hong Kong as hundreds of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) suffering from serious illnesses face illegal termination, leaving them without access to affordable healthcare. A recent report by the Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions (FADWU) and the Filipino Migrant Workers’ Coalition and Support Services (FilMCaSS-HK) has shed light on the struggles of these workers, who often find themselves abandoned at their most vulnerable moments.
A Life-Threatening Reality
According to the findings, 195 cases of MDWs diagnosed with cancer or other severe illnesses have been documented. Alarmingly, 30% of these workers were unlawfully dismissed due to their health conditions, violating Hong Kong’s Employment Ordinance and the Disability Discrimination Ordinance. This abrupt termination means an immediate loss of legal status, barring them from accessing public hospitals at the subsidized rate. The cost of life-saving treatments, such as chemotherapy, can increase by up to 64%, making them financially inaccessible.
Fear of Retaliation and Lack of Legal Protection
Even those who manage to keep their jobs while battling serious illnesses face severe exploitation. The report documented 67 cases where workers were subjected to financial and emotional hardships:
- 7 workers received no salary.
- 30 workers were denied coverage for medical expenses.
- 13 workers had only partial medical expenses covered.
- 14 workers had to use their statutory rest days for hospital visits.
- Only 10 workers received full employer support.
With the threat of job loss looming, many MDWs choose to suffer in silence rather than challenge employer mistreatment. Filing a legal case is an option, but long legal proceedings deter workers from asserting their rights as they risk losing access to medical care during the process.
Calls for Urgent Action
Advocates from FADWU and FilMCaSS-HK describe the situation as “discriminatory, inhumane, and potentially illegal.” They are demanding that:
- MDWs who file discrimination claims due to illness must continue to access public healthcare at the subsidized “eligible person” rate.
- Strict enforcement of labor laws to prevent illegal terminations and exploitation.
- Greater awareness of MDWs’ rights and accessible legal support.
A Matter of Life and Death
For many MDWs, losing access to medical treatment means returning to their home countries without proper healthcare or facing life-threatening conditions in Hong Kong. The advocacy groups stress that Hong Kong must uphold basic human rights and ensure that MDWs—who play an essential role in the city’s households—receive the same protection as other workers.
As the debate continues, the fate of hundreds of sick MDWs remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: without urgent intervention, many will continue to suffer in silence.
