Opening remarks by SLW at media session regarding follow-up work on fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (with photo/video)
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Today the Secretary for Migrant Workers of the Philippines is coming to Hong Kong. This is the second time we have met in Hong Kong. The last time we met was on November 9 - the Secretary came to Hong Kong to officiate at the opening of the largest centre in Asia for Filipinos in Hong Kong.
First of all, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased foreign domestic helpers. At the same time, I wish a very speedy recovery to all those injured in the fire. We are truly grateful for their selflessness and also their heroic acts during the fire, as many of them were taking care of the elderly, children and babies in Wang Fuk Court.
Let me briefly sum up the support we are going to provide for those who unfortunately died or were injured. For foreign domestic helpers who died in the fire, apart from the statutory compensation, which will be over $500,000, they will also be receiving one-off financial assistance of $200,000, and another $50,000 of support. Adding all together, for foreign domestic helpers who died in the fire, they will be receiving around $800,000, roughly equivalent to US$100,000.
For those who were injured, they will also be receiving one-off financial assistance, either $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the period of how long they are staying in the hospital. For those who survived the fire, we will also provide $20,000 to them. And for those who were injured or survived the fire, we are also providing them with an Octopus card with an amount of $2,000.
Let me also give a quick update on the number of foreign domestic helpers in Wang Fuk Court. According to the information available to us, there are a total of 235 foreign domestic helpers working in Wang Fuk court. Among them, according to our record, 10 died in the fire, three are injured, 192 are safe now, and there are still 30 who are missing.
Ends/Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:24
Issued at HKT 18:24
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