A coalition of migrant worker associations and unions in Hong Kong has voiced “sorrow and anger” following the tragic death of a 25-year-old Indonesian domestic worker, whose body was discovered at Waterfall Bay Park earlier this week.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body (AMBC) mourned the loss and demanded accountability. “She was a domestic worker. She came here to work. She did not deserve this death,” the spokesperson stated, calling for both the Hong Kong and Indonesian governments to thoroughly investigate the case and ensure justice is served.
The victim’s death has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, a group that has long been at risk of violence and abuse. A married couple was arrested in connection with the incident, with local media identifying the male suspect as a British national holding a Hong Kong identity card. He has since been charged with murder, while his wife faces allegations of assisting in the crime. Authorities have confirmed that the victim and the male suspect were acquainted, though the nature of their relationship remains under investigation.
The AMBC highlighted that the incident reflects a broader pattern of violence against migrant working women in Hong Kong. Official statistics released this week revealed that police dealt with over 1,200 cases of domestic abuse in 2023, marking the highest number since 2019. The coalition emphasized that women are disproportionately affected by domestic violence globally.
In its statement, the AMBC criticized the Indonesian government for its perceived inaction and lack of accountability regarding the safety of Indonesian workers abroad. “The silence and passivity in this murder case is unacceptable,” the coalition asserted.
As advocacy groups continue to push for reforms, concerns have been raised about Hong Kong’s policies that govern domestic workers, particularly the requirement for them to live in their employers’ homes. This live-in mandate exacerbates their isolation and vulnerability, leaving them with limited avenues to seek help or report abuse. “They live in isolation six days a week and rarely make social contact except with those inside the employer’s houses,” the statement read.
Currently, there are over 300,000 migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, the majority of whom are women from the Philippines and Indonesia, tasked with managing households and caring for children and the elderly. These roles have historically allowed local women to engage more fully in the workforce. However, domestic workers face significant barriers, including restrictions on job mobility, lack of pathways to permanent residency, and undefined working hours, which advocates argue leave them open to exploitation.
The AMBC’s call for justice and reform comes at a critical time as the community grapples with the implications of this tragic event. As the investigation unfolds, the coalition urges both local and international stakeholders to address the systemic issues that contribute to the dangers faced by migrant workers in Hong Kong.
