Modern-day Slavery in Hong Kong: Work Experience and Psychological Wellbeing of Foriegn Domestic Helpers

Since the implementation of foreign domestic helpers employment policy in the 1970s, female foreign domestic helpers have played a vital role in Hong Kong’s economy. Their service has allowed women to participate in the work force while delegating domestic chores and child-caring responsibilities to a stay-at-home caregiver. Nevertheless, legal supervision of domestic helpers’ employment contract is nearly nonexistent. 

 

International media attention continue to narrate domestic helpers’ employment experiences as “modern-day slavery” (SCMP, 2015). Past research from different disciplines have documented challenges unique in domestic helpers’ community. Underpayment, restriction of food, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and confiscation of private property (including travel documents) are common means for employers to establish hierarchy and demonstrate power. Homesickness, loneliness, family concerns, cultural shock, and racial discrimination are also commonly experienced by domestic helpers (Jocano, 1994). 

 

While past research has established of a pattern of struggles, research on helpers’ psychological wellbeing is very limited. The purpose of this study is to bridge the existing literature gap and investigate the relationship between domestic helpers’ employment experience, family concerns, experience with racial discrimination, and psychological wellbeing. In addition, the result of the study will advocate for culturally adapted mental health services accommodating this minority group. 

 

The sample will include 200 foreign domestic helpers who are currently working in Hong Kong. They will be asked to complete online surveys, including the Employment Experience survey, the Everyday Discrimination Scale (Forman, 1997), Family Concern Survey, and the Outcome Questionnair-45 (Gregersen & Burlingame, 2004).