Stop being racist, Hong Kong: include foreign domestic workers in the consumption voucher scheme

Summary

The Hong Kong government's decision to exclude foreign domestic workers from the consumption voucher scheme, despite including other non-permanent residents, is criticized as classist and racist. These workers, primarily from Indonesia and the Philippines, significantly contribute to the local economy, enabling more Hong Kong residents to join the workforce. The speaker calls for recognition of their essential role and urges the government to reconsider this discriminatory policy.

Takeaways

• 📢 The Hong Kong government extended the consumption voucher scheme to non-permanent residents but excluded foreign domestic workers.
• 🌍 The exclusion primarily affects around 400,000 foreign domestic workers, mostly from Indonesia and the Philippines.
• 💸 The vouchers, worth HKD 5,000 each, are distributed in two installments to stimulate local economy spending.
• 🏢 The decision to exclude foreign domestic workers is criticized as class-conscious and racist.
• 💼 It is suggested that the funds would be better spent remunerating foreign domestic workers who support local families.
• 🏙️ A good city is defined by its appreciation for the most deserving, not just by financial giveaways.
• 📈 In 2018, domestic workers contributed an estimated USD 12.6 billion to Hong Kong's economy, equivalent to 3.6% of GDP.
• 🚫 The biased voucher scheme overlooks the significant economic contributions of foreign domestic workers.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The scheme also disregards the contributions of stay-at-home parents and primary carers.
• 🚫 Visa restrictions mean foreign domestic workers are unable to become permanent residents, no matter how long they live and work in Hong Kong.
• 🤝 Advocacy groups and individuals are calling for the government to address this systemic discrimination and recognize the value of foreign domestic workers.

Q & A

What is the Hong Kong government's consumption voucher scheme?

The consumption voucher scheme is a program by the Hong Kong government to boost local spending by distributing vouchers worth HKD 5000 or about USD 600 each in two installments to eligible residents.

Why is the extension of the consumption voucher scheme to non-permanent residents considered inclusive?

The extension was seen as inclusive because it aimed to benefit a broader range of residents, including those who are not permanent, thus showing a more comprehensive approach to economic support.

Why are foreign domestic workers excluded from the consumption voucher scheme despite the extension?

The script indicates that the extension of the scheme does not include foreign domestic workers, who are mostly from Indonesia and the Philippines, despite their significant contributions to the local economy.

How much does the consumption voucher scheme contribute to the Hong Kong economy?

The script suggests that the scheme is allocating HKD 1.7 billion to extend the program, which is intended to stimulate the local economy.

What is the economic contribution of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong according to the script?

The script mentions that in 2018, foreign domestic workers contributed an estimated USD 12.6 billion to Hong Kong's economy, accounting for 3.6 percent of the city's GDP.

How does the exclusion of foreign domestic workers from the consumption voucher scheme reflect on Hong Kong's society?

The exclusion is described as class-conscious, discriminatory, and racist, highlighting systemic discrimination and societal bias against foreign domestic workers.

What is the impact of foreign domestic workers on the workforce participation in Hong Kong?

Their presence has enabled more than 110,000 people to rejoin the workforce, as they take care of local families at home, allowing their employers to work and contribute to the economy.

What are the visa restrictions that prevent foreign domestic workers from becoming permanent residents?

The script refers to pre-existing visa restrictions that prohibit them from becoming permanent residents, regardless of how long they work and live in Hong Kong.

Why is the consumption voucher scheme's exclusion of foreign domestic workers considered a slap in the face to stay-at-home parents?

The exclusion implies that the contributions of primary carers, similar to the role of foreign domestic workers, are insignificant, which is a direct insult to their important societal role.

What is the role of migrant workers advocacy groups in response to the consumption voucher scheme?

Migrant workers advocacy groups are actively protesting against the scheme, expressing their outrage and disappointment, and demanding equal opportunities and treatment.

What is the 'doomsday scenario' mentioned in the script regarding foreign domestic workers?

The scenario refers to the potential collapse of essential services and economic contributions if foreign domestic workers were to withdraw their labor for a day or two, highlighting their critical role in Hong Kong's society and economy.