The Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (AMCB-IMA), a coalition of migrant organizations based in Hong Kong, expressed mixed feelings of joy and disappointment over the Labour Department’s announcement that migrant domestic workers wages will increase from HK$4,990 to HK$5,100, an additional HK$110 starting September 30.

The AMCB-IMA acknowledged the wage increase but it noted that the rise was very meager and only 2.2% of their demanded HK$6,172. They said that migrants was able to push for the increase through relentless campaigning.

“The call for a living wage is not just simply a wage increase, it is a demand against slave wage and to provide decent living not only for the migrant domestic workers (MDWs) but for all HK workers… The HK economic crisis and problems of inflation should be addressed by the HK government, not left to be burdened by MDWs,” the group explained.

Meanwhile, the group denounced the government for not increasing the food allowance of domestic workers. With food prices rising continuously, many domestic workers do not have enough funds for proper daily food, the said.

“MDWs are workers who, like every working person, deserve to be treated fairly, equally and justly, our rights upheld and protected. We are people with human rights, not slaves, criminals or undesirables,” the group added.

“We will continue the fight not only for living wage but also better working and living conditions, and for fair and just treatment of all local and migrant workers in Hong Kong,” the AMCB-IMA asserted.