The Indonesian Migrant Workers Network in Hong Kong (JBMI HK) and the Asian Migrant Coordinating Agency (AMCB) said the call for Migrant Domestic Workers (PRT) to stay at home on holidays is an unfair and discriminatory appeal and will not solve the problem of the virus outbreak. Corona, Saturday (1/2/2020).
Through media broadcasts, JBMI HK and AMCB questioned and criticized the Hong Kong Ministry of Manpower’s (LD) appeal asking Migrant Domestic Workers to stay at home on their holidays with reasons to maintain health and reduce the risk of spreading the Corona Virus.
In two different media broadcasts, JBMI and AMCB both considered the LD’s appeal as unreasonable as well as unfair and discriminatory against migrant domestic workers.
“Although migrant domestic workers are advised not to go out on their days off, if the employer’s family members are still able to leave the house, then those who go out may still be infected with the Corona virus. As is the case with the conditions that befell Filipino Migrant Domestic Workers who are currently being quarantined because the employer’s relative who has just arrived from Wuhan is infected with the Corona virus,” JBMI’s media broadcast quoted him as saying, Friday (1/31/2020).
JBMI assesses LD’s appeal will not be productive for the performance of migrant domestic workers who work 6 full days with 10-14 hours per day. Holidays are the only time in which migrant domestic workers can rest.
“If you can’t take a day off, then it’s the same as not resting. This condition will only increase the level of fatigue and stress which actually makes migrant domestic workers fall ill,” wrote JBMI.
In addition, according to JBMI, LD’s appeal contradicts the announcements issued by the Center for Health Protection and the Ministry of Health, namely: “Unless directed by the government, then allow your domestic workers to take weekly and national holidays as usual and advise them to avoid visiting places crowded or poorly ventilated areas during times of influenza. Always inform your domestic workers about the latest developments regarding the outbreak situation and any announcements made by the government.”
Referring to the announcement, then the LD should provide the right direction and adequate information that can be used by domestic workers and other workers. LD should convince all employers to provide free preventive tools such as masks, vitamin C, alcohol, and give migrant domestic workers adequate rest.
However, if the employer is not able to provide these needs, then the Hong Kong government should provide and provide it to the community, including migrant domestic workers, so as not to fall ill.
Furthermore, JBMI stated that LD’s appeal was actually also contrary to the Hong Kong government’s own regulation which states that employers will be prosecuted for committing criminal offenses if they prohibit their domestic workers from taking a day off.
“Then why is the Hong Kong government making an appeal that violates its own regulations?” JBMI asked.
According to JBMI, LD’s appeal seems to give the public the impression that migrant domestic workers are potential spreaders of the Corona virus. Whereas migrant domestic workers who have served the Hong Kong community since the 1980s are adults who know how to take care of their own health and those of the people they serve. Provided they are properly informed and provided with the necessary preventive tools, given the very low wages of migrant domestic workers, which is not sufficient to purchase these tools.
“The Hong Kong government can also use online and offline media to educate ethnic minorities in Hong Kong using their native language. Because migrant domestic workers and ethnic minorities are part of the workforce and community that advances Hong Kong’s economy. To ensure the health of employers and the community, the health of migrant domestic workers and ethnic minorities must also be maintained,” demanded JBMI.
In its media broadcast, in addition to responding to LD’s appeal, JBMI also demanded the Indonesian Government through the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong to make every effort, including providing free prevention tools, in order to help its citizens in Hong Kong and Macau.
In line with JBMI, AMCB said it was not the first time that migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong faced an epidemic.
“Remember SARS in 2003? We are here, but we are safe. Migrant domestic workers need a day off and mingle with their community and friends, and organize activities. Although we understand the importance of taking the coronavirus seriously, it should not harm the rights of migrant domestic workers,” said AMCB spokesperson Balladares-Pelaez.
