Migrant workers from Nepal, Indonesia, Philippines and other Asian countries protested in Hong Kong for migrant rights. About 2,000 workers took part in a rally organised to mark the International Migrants Day that falls on December 18.

The migrant workers shouted slogans at the government headquarters. “The government is trying very hard to exclude Asian migrant workers from equal benefits,” Eni Lestari an Indonesia activist from Asia Migrants Coordinating Body said.

There are more than 300,000 foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, mainly from Indonesia and the Philippines, and also from Thailand, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

About 3,000 Nepalis are believed to be working in Hong Kong. The country has banned Nepalis from joining jobs there because of the problem of illegal stay or as asylum seekers since 2006. Nepali women have been working in the country as domestic helps and earn about HK$3,920 monthly.

Published on: 17 December 2012 | The Himalayan Times