SLW reinforces collaboration with Philippines on protection of domestic helpers working in Hong Kong (with photos)
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Mr Sun paid a courtesy call on the Secretary of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, Ms Susan Ople, yesterday (January 9). He welcomed the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers which will fully operate this year as a one-stop executive arm on issues related to overseas Filipino workers. He called on the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr Enrique A. Manalo; the Officer-in-charge of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Mr Eduardo Punay; and the Secretary of Labor and Employment, Mr Bienvenido Laguesma, yesterday and today to exchange views and discuss issues of mutual interest.
Mr Sun reaffirmed the great importance Hong Kong attaches to protecting foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and appreciated their contribution to Hong Kong families and society. On the courtesy calls, he updated the senior officials on initiatives to enhance protection of employment rights and welfare of FDHs as well as regulation of employment agencies, and explored areas to strengthen collaboration. A series of arrangements has been implemented since early 2020 to assist FDHs and their employers to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. The full relaxation of inbound control arrangements since December 29, 2022, will enable more FDHs to come to Hong Kong to work while some working in Hong Kong can return to their home countries for a break.
This afternoon, Mr Sun and his delegation visited a training facility under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, where they took a closer look at the training of care workers in the Philippines and its scope of competencies, quality assurance and recruitment arrangements.
While in the Philippines, Mr Sun met with representatives of the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc., the Friends of the Philippines Foundation and Chinese business leaders in the Philippines and updated them on the latest situation of Hong Kong and the array of new measures to attract talents set out in the Chief Executive's Policy Address. He introduced the details of the Top Talent Pass Scheme to them and looked for their support in publicity to attract talents to Hong Kong for development.
Before concluding his visit, Mr Sun had lunch with the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr Huang Xilian, this afternoon and updated him on the latest labour market and economic situation in Hong Kong. Mr Sun also gave interviews to international and local media agencies in Singapore and the Philippines on the achievements of the visit and the unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world, telling the good stories of Hong Kong.
Mr Sun will return to Hong Kong tonight.
Ends/Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:42
Issued at HKT 17:42
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