ASIDE from domestic workers, Hong Kong may soon be the destination for Filipino caregivers.
The Hong Kong-Special Administrative Region (HK-SAR) is looking to hire Filipino caregivers and assisted care workers, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
In a statement, DMW Secretary Susan Ople said Hong Kong Secretary for Labor and Welfare Chris Sun disclosed the SAR’s need for manpower in the said sector during their bilateral meeting earlier this week.
“There is a growing need for workers in both private and government subsidized care homes and assisted care facilities because of Hong Kong’s aging population,” said Ople.
She said that as much as 7,000 foreign workers are being eyed for hiring in Hong Kong.
Ople said the proposed salary range for caregivers and assisted care workers is from HKD12,000 to HKD20,000 or from P85,000 to P140,000.
“The Hong Kong government was willing to fast-track the hiring of foreign workers to address an acute manpower shortage, specifically in the caregiver and assisted care workers categories,” said Ople.
She welcomed the possible opening of the Hong Kong market to Filipino caregivers, but stressed that discussions are still at the exploratory level.
She said she has tasked DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan to head a Philippine team that will hold more talks in Hong Kong next month.
“This would provide additional job opportunities for our caregivers, under conditions that value their skills and are cognizant of their rights and welfare,” said Ople.
