Activists Push for Hong Kong-Based Training in New Foreign Domestic Carer Scheme
HKFP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Migrant worker activists are calling on the Hong Kong government to amend its planned foreign domestic carers scheme to allow training to be completed locally rather than in workers' home countries. The scheme, unveiled during last month's Policy Address, aims to address the city's growing elderly care needs by recruiting overseas workers as caregivers. Activists argue that Hong Kong-based training would be more rigorous and better supervised, while also urging higher wages for the new category of workers.
Key Points
- The government plans to launch a "foreign domestic carers" scheme with first carers beginning work in the second half of 2027
- Minimum monthly wage will be 10 to 20 per cent higher than the current foreign domestic worker rate of HK$5,220
- Carers must currently complete at least 150 hours of training in their home countries before qualifying
- Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the scheme would not affect the existing system of around 380,000 foreign domestic workers
- Sun rejected a proposal for a probation period, stating such a mechanism would apply to both employers and workers
- Sringathin, spokesperson for the Asian Migrants' Coordinating Body, said the 10 to 20 per cent wage increase was insufficient
- The scheme will be modelled after the current foreign domestic worker system, with most workers expected from the Philippines and Indonesia
- Workers completing training are not guaranteed employment, as only a few hundred carers are planned annually
Why It Matters
As Hong Kong's population ages rapidly, the foreign domestic carers scheme represents a significant expansion of the city's caregiving infrastructure. The debate over training location and wages highlights ongoing tensions between labour protections and the practical demands of elderly care, setting precedents for how Hong Kong manages its future care workforce needs .
As Hong Kong's population ages rapidly, the foreign domestic carers scheme represents a significant expansion of the city's caregiving infrastructure. The debate over training location and wages highlights ongoing tensions between labour protections and the practical demands of elderly care, setting precedents for how Hong Kong manages its future care workforce needs .