HK eyes training FDHs for elderly homes

Filipino domestic workers congregate at the HSBC building in Central

The Hong Kong government is looking at establishing a training program for foreign domestic workers so that they would be able to work in the city’s subsidised elderly care homes, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) reported.

It said the government was looking into the plan to ease the pressure on elderly care homes which faces chronic manpower shortages.

The report said foreign domestic workers who would work in elderly care homes would likely be “paid significantly more” than those who work in private homes.

The Oriental Daily, citing sources, reported that foreign domestic workers who would work in these elderly care homes could earn as much as $13,000.

RTHK quoted Elderly Commission chair Lam Ching-choi that the scheme could be implemented within the year.

Lam, a member of Hong Kong’s Executive Council, said the government would do its best so that families who rely on foreign domestic workers would not be adversely affected.

Locals who work as caregivers in private homes earn from around $15,000 to $20,000, according to industry sources.