Arial

Domestic workers – silent contributors to the different households in vibrant cities. A young woman’s voyage to Hong Kong began on 28th February 2023 when she had to leave her home country – the Philippines in search of better job opportunities and financial freedom.

Her name doesn't matter; she could be anyone, any of the countless domestic workers who leave their homes. For the sake of the story, let’s give her a name – Arial.

Arial had a 1 year and 8 months old son. As a single parent, the responsibility weighted heavily on her shoulders. She knew she had to give her son a better life. It wasn’t easy for Arial to leave home. She didn’t want to leave her son, but the economic hardships in the Philippines left her with few alternatives. Arial needed to secure a stable income, and like many before her, saw Hong Kong as the land of opportunity.

Upon her arrival in Hong Kong, Arial quickly found employment as a domestic worker. Her job was to take care of her employer's two children, a 6-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. She would start the daily routine at 5:30 a.m. when she would rise early to wake the children up and prepare breakfast for the whole family. However, the challenges Arial faced were not about early mornings, but instead the little young boy who was often groggy and irritable. The boy would lash out at her – kicking and punching. This soon became an ordinary routine for each morning whenever Arial had to wake up the little boy. Therefore causing pain and distress. She had to bear this onslaught while trying to fulfil her duties as their guardian. Arial, with absolute tolerance, reported this problem to her employer, hoping for a resolution. But their response was disheartening. They dismissed her concerns. By turning a blind eye, claiming the boy's behaviour was just an "adjustment period" since he needed new time to cooperate with a new domestic worker. The daily physical abuse continued. Yet, Arial’s motivation was clear: she knew she was here to work, to earn, and to support her son back home. No matter how difficult it got, she sacrificed her own comfort and safety for not only her own, but moreover, her child's future.

The utmost point came not from the child's violence but from an unexpected root. One day, while Arial was preparing a simple meal of cup noodles for the children. She used a large bowl instead of a small one. The employer's wife, without warning, burst into anger and berated her, shouting. The situation escalated when she was instructed to transfer washed clothes to the washroom and use a humidifier to dry them. Clothes had to be checked every hour. She followed the task. The wife's anger knew no bounds. She demanded continuous updates and, when Arial didn't meet her expectations, abuse was unleashed.

Language assaults turned into violence as the wife punched her forcefully in the face, leaving Arial bruised forehead and a broken heart. Arial released all her emotions – she went into her room and cried.

The physical assault was a devastating blow to Arial’s spirit. She could no longer bare the humiliation and pain, she knew she had to act. The employer, in an act of cruelty, confiscated her mobile phone and her passport, additionally isolating her from the outside world. Desperately, Arial grasped the opportunity when the employer and his wife left home. She reclaimed her phone from where it was placed in front of a CCTV camera. With her phone in hand, she made a call that would give her hope.

The voice of a police officer responded to Arial’s despairing plea for help. He instructed her to go to the nearest police station with a friend. At the station, she portrayed the traumatic incident, and the authorities immediately called for ambulance to heal her. Arial was transported to a hospital. She was in agony. The hospital staff contacted social workers, who swiftly intervened to assist her with shelter and support.

This was when Arial was first introduced to the Mission for Migrant Workers, an organization dedicated to helping domestic workers facing difficulties in Hong Kong. She met compassionate care workers who provided not only accommodation but as well as guidance on her rights and the legal avenues that she is able to have access to. In the following days, Arial initiated legal proceedings against her former employer. She had two cases underway: one with the police and another in the labour tribunal court. It was a daunting journey into the unknown, filled with trepidation.

Arial’s fortitude was unwavering. Her act of pursuing justice not just for herself but sets an example for all domestic workers who faced abuse and mistreatment worldwide. Her determination to seek justice was motivated from the love for her son and the belief that no one should endure what she had suffered. The process was long, faced different obstacles as Arial had to attended hearings, including a mention hearing scheduled for September, a part of the labour case. This would be her second appearance in court, and she knew that the road ahead would be arduous. Still, Arial remained committed. Her hope extended beyond financial compensation. She wanted her case to serve as a lesson to her former employer and a deterrent to people who might think mistreating domestic workers is fine.

This tale resonated with many other domestic workers who were also at the Mission for Migrant Workers. They shared their own experiences, formed connections, and found solace in knowing they were not alone. As they supported each other, Arial felt a newfound strength, knowing her fight was not only for herself but for all who faced similar injustices. During her break from all of those stuff, she volunteered on communicating with other domestic helpers from various backgrounds. Arial forged friendships that provided consolation and camaraderie amid the challenges she faced. These gatherings create a sense of belonging.

This isn’t just about a random journey; it was about the wider issues that domestic workers in Hong Kong are now facing. They faced misinformation, mistreatments, and exploitation, fighting for their basic rights including rest days and statutory holidays became a usual thing.

Arial’s anecdote brought attentions to all these systematic issues, as she courageously narrates her experience. Her voice joined the chorus of others domestic workers, advocating for change and fairness in the treatment of domestic workers.

Arial’s case was still ongoing, but her spirit remained unbroken. She was determined to seek justice, and to ensure that her sacrifices and suffering were not in vain. Her love for her son, drives her journey to Hong Kong, was also the source of her strength in the face of adversity.

In a city where countless dreams are pursued, Arial’s story was a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage. Her tale was full of determination, hope, and pursuit of justice —a story that transcended borders and inspired countless others to stand up and fight for their rights.