Empowering Migrant Workers

Migrant domestic workers are often misunderstood by the residents of Hong Kong. Christian Action's mission is to serve those who need help, so in 1993 we responded to the suffering of exploited domestic helpers and began our Migrant Domestic Worker's programme. We have been honoured to serve these people for over 20 years. Today, I want to share with you the story of a woman named Siti.

Siti worked for two employers in HK and returned to her home country. When she returned it was to work for her third employer. Siti expected a similar work experience, but was shocked to discover a video camera concealed in her shower area.

Siti tried to remove the camera or turn it off, but her employer ordered her to leave it on. Siti knew she needed help, but after a visit to the police she had nowhere else to turn. That led her to Christian Action's Migrant Domestic Workers (MDW) Centre in February 2017.

With the help of CA staff, she was able to file a claim with the Labour Department because she was entitled to her wages, annual leave, severance pay, and travel expenses back to her place of origin. In March 2017, Siti's case was brought to justice and she received all that she was owed.

Siti is just one of the many migrant workers we have assisted. In addition to legal advice, our centre provides education, workshops, and training. All this helps to empower migrant workers, so that they understand the laws as well as their rights and responsibilities.

My prayer is that as MDW continues to serve these people, we would be stewards of God's love to each person, and demonstrate that they need to be treated as His children in our society.