Domestic Helpers See Bias In Social Distancing Drive

Foreign domestic helpers said on Friday that they were being discriminated against by the police and other officials who dispersed them from their usual gathering spots, citing current social-distancing rules.

They also urged the government to open community centres for foreign domestic workers during their weekly day-off.

Police have said at least 14 non-locals have been slapped with HK$2,000 fines for allegedly violating the group gathering ban in Central and Tseung Kwan O last Sunday.

Asian Migrants Coordinating Body said they feel the police had picked on the helpers who usually gather in these areas, and accused the officers of threatening them during their checks.

One domestic worker, Alma, said she was near Pier 3 in Central when the police dispersed them.

“What happened on Sunday was very disappointing. The Hong Kong police told us to leave, vacate that area … for violating the social distancing [rules]. According to them it was too crowded,” she said.

“I find the police action was a discrimination against us. Because on that day there was just a few domestic helpers staying in that area.”

Alma said she hoped the police and the authorities will remember that the domestic helpers had played their part in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.

The migrants coordinating body said the helpers will have literally nowhere to go when they leave their employers’ place for one rest day they get in a week.

The body’s spokesperson, Sringatin, said if the situation doesn't improve, they may complain to the police commissioner.

But for now, she hoped the authorities can open some community centres for the helpers to gather.

The activists urged their fellow workers to still go to their usual gathering place to assert their rights, but follow the social distancing rules and practice hygiene measures.