40 Filipino HK domestic workers lose jobs amid COVID-19 outbreak

Around 40 Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong have reportedly lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 outbreak as of Tuesday, March 3.

Of the 40 displaced workers, 35 were dismissed by their employers.

Reasons for dismissal include employers claiming relocation from the city due to business slowdown, and disputes over days off.

16 workers were fired after their employers stated they were leaving Hong Kong, which has confirmed 100 coronavirus cases.

Two Filipino domestic workers were among those infected in Hong Kong.

Twelve terminations were related to issues concerning workers' rest days.

Migrant groups reported that some employers misinterpreted a labor department advisory about days off as a mandatory measure to reduce transmission risk.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. expressed sadness over the situation and appealed to Hong Kong to treat Filipino workers well.