NGOs & Charities supporting Helpers in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is home to approximately 350,000 migrant domestic workers, primarily from the Philippines, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries. These individuals significantly contribute to local households and the economy by providing essential care and domestic services. However, domestic helpers often face challenges such as poor working conditions, limited legal protection, isolation, and exploitation. Thankfully, several dedicated NGOs and charities in Hong Kong provide crucial support, advocacy, and empowerment to these vulnerable workers.

Top NGOs & Charities Supporting Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong

1. PathFinders

Founded in 2008, PathFinders is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of pregnant migrant domestic workers and their children. The organization assists women who might otherwise lack access to healthcare, legal resources, and safe housing. PathFinders provides essential services including prenatal and postnatal healthcare, counseling, legal support, and temporary shelters to ensure mothers and babies can safely transition through challenging periods.

Beyond immediate assistance, PathFinders also advocates for systemic policy changes to improve the long-term welfare of migrant domestic workers and their families in Hong Kong. Through awareness campaigns and collaborations with other NGOs, government agencies, and the broader community, PathFinders strives to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal access to healthcare and justice for all migrant domestic workers.

Website: pathfinders.org.hk

2. Enrich HK

Established in 2007, Enrich HK empowers domestic workers through financial literacy and personal development programs. Recognizing that financial independence is critical for long-term well-being, Enrich offers workshops on budgeting, saving, investing, entrepreneurship, and effective money management. Their educational programs are specifically tailored to the unique financial realities and challenges faced by domestic workers in Hong Kong.

Website: enrichhk.org

3. HELP for Domestic Workers

HELP for Domestic Workers, founded in 1989, provides comprehensive legal advice, case assistance, and advocacy to migrant domestic workers facing employment or immigration challenges. They offer confidential legal counseling, dispute resolution support, and help workers navigate Hong Kong's complex legal system. HELP also educates workers on their legal rights to prevent exploitation and abuse.

Furthermore, HELP actively engages in community outreach to raise awareness of domestic workers' rights among employers and the public. By fostering dialogue and education, HELP aims to build mutual understanding and respect between employers and domestic workers. They also conduct research and advocate for policy reforms to strengthen legal protections and create a fairer working environment for all domestic workers in Hong Kong.

Website: helpfordomesticworkers.org

4. Hong Kong Women Workers' Association (HKWWA)

Since its inception in 1989, the Hong Kong Women Workers' Association has championed the rights and dignity of women workers, including domestic helpers. HKWWA organizes educational workshops, legal rights seminars, and empowerment initiatives. It also actively engages in policy advocacy to improve labor conditions and protections for women workers.

5. Open Door

Open Door focuses on fostering better cultural understanding and communication between domestic workers and their employers. The organization provides English and Cantonese language classes, skill development workshops, and recreational activities to enhance domestic helpers' quality of life and facilitate smoother employer-helper relationships. By building bridges of mutual respect, Open Door strives to improve domestic workers' experiences in Hong Kong.

6. Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW)

Established in 1981, MFMW is a non-profit establishment that works towards bringing equality to women through fair and just labor rights. It encourages education about empowerment, women rights, rights for foreign domestic women workers, and women's labor in general. This organization is one of the best NGOs in Hong Kong. They promote self-awareness and strive to bring improvement in the lives of women. It also works on creating social awareness about women's labor and domestic helper issues. There are many women in Hong Kong who are subject to domestic labor but remain unpaid. This organization helps such women by providing them with education about their rights and supports them in their fight. 

Website: migrants.net

7. Christian Action – Centre for Migrant Domestic Workers

Christian Action offers holistic support services including legal assistance, crisis intervention, shelter, and advocacy for migrant domestic workers in distress. Their Centre for Migrant Domestic Workers regularly conducts educational programs on worker rights, emotional well-being, and skills training. Christian Action actively campaigns to raise public awareness about the plight of domestic helpers.

Website: christian-action.org.hk

Conclusion

Hong Kong's domestic helpers are integral to many families, yet they face substantial vulnerabilities. The dedicated work of these NGOs and charities ensures that migrant domestic workers have access to necessary legal, financial, and emotional support. By advocating for fair treatment and providing essential resources, these organizations significantly contribute to creating a more equitable and respectful environment for domestic workers in Hong Kong. Whether you are a domestic helper in need of assistance or someone wishing to support this cause, engaging with these organizations can make a meaningful difference.