Foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) play an important role in Hong Kong, providing domestic services and essential care for numerous families. Today, there are around 350,000 FDHs in the city, many of which come from the Philippines, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries.
Occasionally, we hear about cases of abuse, exploitation, and maltreatment of FDHs. While the government has enacted laws and introduced programs to address them, many workers still need help and support. Fortunately, there are several non-government organizations (NGOs) in Hong Kong, including charities and non-profit groups, that offer temporary shelter, legal assistance, and training programs for FDHs.
Asylum Services and Knowledge
Formerly known as Justice Centre Hong Kong, Asylum Services and Knowledge (ASK) is a local charity that assists people who are seeking asylum in the city. Originally founded in 2007 as the Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre, this non-profit organization provides free legal services, welfare assistance, and psychosocial support to refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
Address: Austin Tower, Room 1004, 10/F, 22-26 Austin Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 3109 7359
Email: info@ask.org.hk
Website: https://www.ask.org.hk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsylumServicesKnowledge/
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Caritas Hong Kong
Established in July 1953 by the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, Caritas Hong Kong is a charitable organization whose initiatives include rights education and labor protection, health and mental wellness, and training programs for migrant workers. In particular, its “Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project” caters to workers from Southeast Asian nations.
Address: No. 3, 3/F, Kowloon Plaza, 485 Castle Peak Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 5617 3559
Email: cdamp@caritassws.org.hk
Website: https://www.caritas.org.hk/en/index/main/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaritasAsianMigrantProject/
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Christian Action
Christian Action is a charitable organization that serves “poor, vulnerable, marginalized, and displaced communities, regardless of age, gender, nationality and religion,” with the aim of giving them hope, dignity, and self-reliance.
Established in 1985, the organization offers holistic support services, including shelter, legal assistance, and educational programs. Aside from helping migrant workers, it also provides support to ethnic minorities, refugees, underprivileged families and children, and young students.
Address: Rm.6, 16/F., Block E, Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, Kln, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2382 3339
Email: info@christian-action.org.hk
Website: https://www.christian-action.org.hk/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianActionHK/
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Enrich
Inspired by the vision that “everyone is financially capable to pursue their dreams,” Enrich endeavors to empower migrant workers to transform their lives through financial education and personal development programs. Every weekend and during public holidays, the organization conducts workshops on financial planning, managing debt, and other related topics. Workshops are held in Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, and other languages, for better understanding of domestic workers.
Address: 1102, 228-238 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 5981 3754
Email: info@enrichhk.org
Website: https://enrichhk.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enrichhk.org/
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HELP for Domestic Workers
HELP for Domestic Workers was founded in 1989, with the mission of empowering migrant domestic workers and enabling them to “access their rights through education, advice, community and employer engagement.”
Among the organizations key programs are: HELPLine, a hotline providing emergency support; HELPing Hands, which helps domestic workers and employers build mutually beneficial relationships; HELP MeHeal, which offers mental health support and well-being services; and HELP Circle, a leadership program for community leaders and representatives.
Address: 1602, Tung Ning Building, 2 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2523 4020
Email: info@helpfordomesticworkers.org
Website: https://helpfordomesticworkers.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HELPForDomesticWorkers/
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Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association
The Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association (HKWWA) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights, welfare, and empowerment of female workers. Since 1989, it has been conducting legal rights seminars and educational workshops, while also engaging in policy advocacy to enhance protection and improve labor conditions for female workers.
Address: Room 1–3A, Ground Floor, Tsui Ying House, Tsui Ping (South) Estate, 18 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2790 4848
Email: workwomen@hkwwa.org.hk
Website: https://hkwwa.org.hk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hkwwa/
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Mission for Migrant Workers
Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW) is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to support migrant workers in crisis and empower them to regain dignity as human beings and as workers in Hong Kong.” Founded in 1981, its services include shelter, food assistance, guidance, outreach services, prison and hospital visits, and referrals to professional services.
Address: St. John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Rd, Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2522 8264
Email: mission@migrants.net
Website: https://www.migrants.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MFMWHK/
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PathFinders
Established in 2008, PathFinders is dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of pregnant migrant domestic workers and their children. Its mission is to “ensure that the most vulnerable and unsupported children in Hong Kong are protected and respected, anf their migrant mothers are empowered to find a path to a brighter future.”
Among the services provided by PathFinders are temporary shelter, prenatal and postnatal healthcare, counseling, and legal assistance.
Address: 11C Worldwide Centre, 123 Tung Chau St, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 5500 5486 (General Enquiries) / +852 5190 4886 (Hotline for Migrant Workers and Employers)
Email: info@pathfinders.org.hk
Website: https://www.pathfinders.org.hk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PFFMW/
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Notably, if you’re a Filipino domestic helper, keep in mind that you can always turn to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for support. You can do this by getting in touch with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the department’s operating arm in Hong Kong.
Disclaimer: This guide is presented for general information purposes only. To know more about the above NGOs and ask about their services, you may reach them directly through their official websites and contact details.