“We are human beings and deserve to be treated as such,” says Cynthia Abdon, General Manager at Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW). The struggle for equal treatment of domestic workers and granting of their basic rights in Hong Kong have been at the core of their organisation since its inception in 1981.
MFMW provides a number of free services to the migrant worker community, from providing legal assistance to giving shelter, from Cantonese language classes to hospital and prison visitations, all focused on empowerment and learning.
Their outreach programmes, referred to as Migrant Care Centres (MCCs), extend welfare services to migrant workers throughout Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories, via collaborations with other migrant organisations and volunteers from the community. Their MCCs regularly distribute educational materials, face masks, hand sanitisers, and other giveaways.
MFMW also provide temporary shelters and emergency assistance for migrant workers in distress. These resources were tested to the limits during the 5th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year.
As the Omicron variant ripped through the city, many employers, fearing for their own health, didn’t know how to help their workers isolate, and ended up terminating their contracts. This caused a crisis in the migrant worker community; homeless and with nowhere to go, many turned to organisations like MFMW.
“Mula noong nag-umpisa ang MFMW, hanggang ngayon, marami pa ding mga issues na gusto nating maimprove”
(Since the very start of MFMW until now, there are still a lot of issues that we want to see improved)
- Cynthia Abdon, General Manager at Mission for Migrant Workers
MFMW have always championed that empowered migrant workers who are able to protect their rights are cared for and are recognised as an integral part of a multicultural and inclusive Hong Kong society.
However, “Mula noong nag-umpisa ang MFMW, hanggang ngayon, marami pa ding mga issues na gusto nating maimprove,” (Since the very start of MFMW until now, there are still a lot issues that we want to see improved), Cynthia acknowledges.
MFMW’s latest publication, Between a Toilet Bowl and a Wall: The Continuing Problem of Unsuitable Accommodation for Migrant Domestic Workers under Mandatory Live-in Arrangements, serves to highlight the challenges that many migrant workers face with uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.
This lack of personal space, coupled with other key issues such as long working hours, being underpaid, and even suffering mental or physical abuse at the hands of their employers, serves to highlight there is still much room for improvement when it comes to the living and working conditions of migrant domestic workers.
In 2019, MFMW launched a new brand initiative under the brand, “Serving Migrants Anytime, Anywhere”, aimed at expanding The Mission’s reach with Indonesian and Filipino migrant workers and significantly increasing the participation of domestic workers from Thailand, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
“May we work together to protect and uphold their rights as workers, recognise what they have sacrificed for our households and communities, and respect them as a valuable part of Hong Kong society,” shares Cynthia in their latest press release.
As for their mission, as long as there are migrant workers in Hong Kong who need their help, MFMW will continue to adapt and serve with respect as the needs of the community evolves.
According to a MFMW survey conducted in 2021 on the impact of COVID-19 on migrant domestic workers:
· 70% of respondents reported experiencing heightened levels of stress and feelings of depression and anxiety
· 96% regularly worked in excess of 11 hours a day
· More than half of those surveyed were not provided with a private room for rest and sleep
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