Investigation: Illegal Firings, Cancelled Visas and Lack of Healthcare - How Domestic Workers Facing Critical Illness Are Left in Limbo

Migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, predominantly from the Philippines and Indonesia, are facing a critical crisis when struck by serious illnesses. Many report being illegally fired, pressured to resign, or having their salaries reduced, leaving them in precarious situations with limited access to essential healthcare.

Nancy, a Filipino domestic worker who served a Hong Kong family for over two decades, shared her distressing experience. She recounted feeling chest pressure while working, initially trying to ignore it. Days later, after experiencing severe pain and difficulty breathing, she was diagnosed with a heart attack at a public hospital. Upon notification, her employer allegedly claimed she was no longer employed, leaving her stunned and without formal termination.

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I wasn’t feeling good, but I tried to ignore it.

This situation is not isolated. Interviews with 14 migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia reveal a pattern of exploitation. When diagnosed with critical illnesses, these women often lose their jobs or are forced to leave, severing their ties to medical care in the countries where they worked. This forces many to return to their home countries, often without adequate support or resources.

The legal framework in Hong Kong mandates that domestic workers live with their employers, leading to long working hours and limited days off. While Nancy described being treated "like family" for years, her experience highlights the vulnerability inherent in this system, especially when health issues arise. The lack of job security and access to healthcare post-diagnosis leaves these essential workers in a deeply uncertain and difficult position.

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I cried so much that day.