be
this stage for it is in many ways tied in with the proposed changes to the entry policy of FDHS. While there may may staffing and financial savings when the number of
of FDHs is contained, additional staff may be required to enforce the new conditions of service, including the enforcement of departure of FDHS who do not leave Hong Kong within two weeks or earlier after the termination of their contracts.
PUBLIC REACTION
17
an
It is expected that the proposed measures will arouse emotive response from those directly involved. FDHs are regarded by those who have them to be providing a useful service to the community. Reports of complaints of breaches of contract and overstaying have been routine and have not generated any sustained public interest. There is no discernible public support for those who advocate stronger measures to be taken against FDHs. Those whose jobs are being affected by FDHs are unlikely to voice their support for the changes in policy. But of those who are not directly involved or affected, some will appreciate that the number of FDHs have now reached a high level and cannot be permitted to continue to grow unrestrained.
18
Existing FDHS may be expected to object strongly to the proposed restrictions on their
stay and change of employment. Many of them have borrowed large sums of money to finance their employment in Hong Kong. Those who have paid their debts will wish to continue earning Hong Kong dollars; those whose contracts have been terminated will be tempted to go underground and take up illegal employment. The situation is likely to be exploited by operators of vice establishments. There will be criticism of the Government for placing FDHS in such a predicament. FDH trade unions and other interest groups may be joined by concerned members of the public in a campaign against the proposals on humanitarian grounds. They would regard these measures as increasing the vulnerability of FDH to unscrupulous employers. Fears will be expressed over the possibility of ill-treatment of FDHS, the freezing or even reduction of wages by employers who would exploit their fear of being sent back to the Philippines.
19
On the other hand, employers who
employers who have pressed for measures to be introduced to prevent job-hopping by FDHs will welcome the imposition of the proposed condition of stay to discourage breaches of contracts. But they themselves and potential employers will complain that they have to pay more for domestic service as a consequence of the restricted entry of new FDHs and the restrictions on change of employment. Some working wives and mothers who may have to give up their jobs because of the proposed changes will accuse the Government of forcing them into a lower standard of living. Those who have to give up their part-time FDHS can also be expected to
complain.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.