HK to suspend maid levy for 2 years, domestics might lose jobs

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong government acted Wednesday to suspend monthly fees some residents must pay to employ maids, a controversial move that critics fear could cost many domestic workers their jobs.

The new measure, which goes into effect Friday and lasts until August 2010, would exempt employers who hire or renew contracts with foreign maids from paying a HK$400 (US$51) monthly fee for two years, Secretary for Labor and Welfare Matthew Cheung said.

The suspension was proposed by Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang to help relieve inflation and passed Wednesday by his Cabinet.

However, it has drawn criticism because it will not apply to employers who already have maids. Opponents fear foreign maids could lose jobs as employers fire them and hire new ones to take advantage of the waiver. Hundreds of foreign maids protested Sunday over the suspension.

"We are still upset and very angry with the decision of the government," said Eni Lestari, a spokeswoman for an Asian migrant worker group.

"The measure is just opening a channel for employers to threaten our job security."

A number of foreign maids have reportedly lost their jobs before the suspension begins.

There are about 250,000 maids in Hong Kong, with a minimum monthly wage of HK$3,580 (US$459). - AP

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