'Domestic Helpers Add Billions To HK Economy'

A new study shows foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong contributed almost HK$100 billion to the city's economy last year.

The study's organisers said it is now time to recognise the importance of the helpers' role in the SAR.

The report, which was the first of its kind, examined the economic contribution of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia last year.

It took into account the real value of the helpers' services such as cooking and cleaning, how much they spend in the local economy, and the value of time freed up for their employers because of their presence.

The charity group Enrich, which co-produced the report, said foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong contributed an estimated HK$98.9 billion to the city’s economy in 2018, representing 3.6 percent of the city's GDP.

In Singapore, their contributions amounted to HK$63.9 billion and it was HK$7 billion in Malaysia.

The executive director of Enrich, Lucinda Pike, said Hong Kong owes much of its economic success to these helpers, and it's important for society to acknowledge their contributions.

Pike also said the fact that only 18 percent of maids have bank accounts in Hong Kong, and many of them are indebted, shows they're financially vulnerable.

She called on the government to give helpers more training and opportunities, especially in matters relating to money.