Consul General Bernardita L. Catalla paid a courtesy call on HK Secretary for Labour and Welfare Stephen Sui Wai-keung, JP on 15 March 2017.
Secretary Sui was appointed as HK Secretary for Labour and Welfare in February 2017, and has previously served as Commissioner for Rehabilitation and Undersecretary for Labour and Welfare.
During the call, Consul General Catalla expressed her appreciation for the close coordination and open relationship between the Philippine Consulate General and the HK Labour and Welfare Bureau, especially on matters concerning Filipino workers in Hong Kong.
In particular, Consul General Catalla highlighted the Technical Working Group between the Consulate, and the HK Labour and Immigration Departments which has allowed the PH government to input into the policy-making processes of the HK government, and provided a venue to exchange information on issues involving Filipino workers in HK.
Consul General Catalla also expressed hope on the Code of Practice for Employment Agents’ (CoP) effective enforcement to ensure the protection of all migrant workers in the Territory. The HK government consulted the Consulate and other labor-sending countries on the CoP.
Most importantly, Consul General Catalla noted the speedy negotiations between the HK government and labor-sending countries on the inclusion in the Standard Employment Contract (SEC) for foreign domestic workers of a safety clause that will protect the worker while cleaning windows, which was made effective on 1 January 2017.
In reply, Secretary Sui stressed the important contribution of Filipino domestic workers to HK by allowing mothers and family caregivers to enter the workforce.
Secretary Sui fully agreed that the excellent relations between the Consulate and the HK Labour and Welfare Bureau has been vital in implementing policies and regulations to improve the working conditions of Filipino workers and other migrant workers in HK.
He also ensured Consul General Catalla that the HK Labour and Welfare Bureau is continuously working on initiatives for foreign domestic workers in HK.
Consul General Catalla also raised issues that affect the Filipino workers in Hong Kong such as exorbitant placement fees collected by HK recruitment agencies, live-out arrangements and fixed work hours, and the 14-day rule for terminated Filipino domestic workers.
Both looked forward to a stronger partnership and to continue closely working together on labor-related matters.
