香港的國內幫手工資危機：剝削

香港的國內助手面臨工資危機，儘管經濟貢獻至關重要，但工資停滯，債務束縛和剝削，破壞了他們的福祉。

Hong Kong's reliance on foreign domestic helpers is well-known, but the grim reality behind their contributions is often overlooked. These workers, predominantly women, prop up the city's economy while facing stagnant wages and exploitative conditions. The situation has reached a critical point, demanding immediate attention and systemic reform.

香港對外國國內助手的依賴是眾所周知的，但是他們貢獻背後的嚴峻現實經常被忽視。這些工人，主要是婦女，在面對停滯的工資和剝削條件的同時，促進了城市的經濟。情況達到了關鍵點，要求立即關注和系統性改革。

The Stark Reality: Low Wages and High Costs

鮮明的現實：低工資和高成本

The Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions has been vocal about the "hungry and malnourished" conditions many helpers face due to current government policies. Despite generating an estimated HK$989 billion annually for Hong Kong's economy, domestic helpers struggle to make ends meet. Their minimum wage of HK$4,990, coupled with a HK$1,236 food allowance, barely covers basic needs, especially when adjusted for inflation. As Phobsuk Gasing, chairwoman of the Federation, aptly puts it, "Token adjustments are insulting almsgiving."

亞洲家庭工會的香港聯合會一直對“飢餓和營養不良”的條件發聲，許多助手由於當前的政府政策而面臨。儘管估計每年為香港的經濟產生989億港元，但國內助手仍在努力維持生計。他們的最低工資為4,990港元，再加上1,236港元的食品津貼，幾乎不能滿足基本需求，尤其是在適應通貨膨脹時。正如聯邦主席Phobsuk Gasing恰當地說：“象徵性的調整正在侮辱施捨”。

Debt Bondage and Predatory Practices

債務束縛和掠奪性實踐

Wage is not the only problem. Many domestic helpers are trapped in a cycle of debt due to exorbitant agency fees. A staggering 83% of helpers carry debt, a rate three times higher than in Singapore. Many are forced to pay illegal commissions, sometimes exceeding 10% of their first-month wages. The financial strain begins even before they start working, with some helpers like Maricel (anonymized for privacy) needing to spend months repaying loans before earning a single penny.

工資不是唯一的問題。由於高昂的代理費用，許多國內助手被困在債務週期中。驚人的83％的助手承擔債務，比新加坡高三倍。許多人被迫支付非法佣金，有時超過其第一個月工資的10％。金融壓力甚至在他們開始工作之前就開始了，像Maricel（匿名為隱私）這樣的幫助者需要花幾個月的時間償還貸款，然後才能賺取一分錢。

Policy Priorities and Systemic Issues

政策優先和系統問題

The root of the problem lies in government policies that prioritize "employer affordability" over ensuring a living wage for domestic helpers. This approach, dating back to colonial-era calculations, has created a system where a significant portion of households, including those with dual incomes below the median wage, rely on affordable domestic help. However, this affordability comes at the expense of the helpers' well-being and fair compensation.

問題的根源在於政府政策優先考慮“雇主負擔能力”，而不是確保對家庭助手的生活工資。這種方法可以追溯到殖民時代的計算，它創建了一個系統，其中很大一部分家庭（包括低於中位工資的雙重收入的家庭）依靠負擔得起的家庭幫助。但是，這種負擔能力是以助手的福祉和公平賠償為代價的。

The Economic Impact and Demographic Consequences

經濟影響和人口後果

The undervaluation of domestic helpers' labor has far-reaching consequences. Local studies reveal that many families outsource childcare and elderly care, with employers spending minimal time on these responsibilities themselves. Furthermore, the low wages and poor working conditions are deterring workers from choosing Hong Kong as their destination. As source countries like Indonesia prioritize markets with fairer conditions, Hong Kong faces a potential shortage of domestic helpers, especially as its aging population requires more support.

低估國內助手的勞動會產生深遠的後果。本地研究表明，許多家庭外包托兒和老年護理，雇主本身花費很少的時間。此外，低工資和較差的工作條件正在阻止工人選擇香港作為目的地。隨著像印度尼西亞這樣的來源國家對市場的優先級，香港面臨著潛在的國內助手的短缺，尤其是因為其衰老人口需要更多的支持。

Breaking the Cycle: Reforms Needed

打破週期：需要改革

To address this crisis, systemic reforms are essential. An immediate wage increase to HK$6,500 is a crucial step towards providing basic sustenance. Agency fee caps, aligned with Singapore's model, are necessary to eliminate exploitative practices. Mandatory rest provisions should also be implemented to prevent exhaustion and injuries among helpers. Ultimately, recognizing the value of domestic helpers' labor and ensuring their fair treatment is not just a matter of social justice but also vital for Hong Kong's long-term prosperity.

為了解決這一危機，系統改革至關重要。立即增加6,500港元是提供基本寄託的關鍵步驟。與新加坡模型保持一致的代理費用上限是消除剝削實踐的必要條件。還應實施強制性的休息條款，以防止助手之間的疲憊和傷害。最終，認識到國內助手勞動的價值並確保公平對待不僅是社會正義問題，而且對香港的長期繁榮也至關重要。

So, next time you're sipping your latte in Central, remember the women who make it all possible. It's time Hong Kong steps up and gives these incredible individuals the respect and compensation they deserve. Otherwise, those Sunday gatherings of helpers might just become a permanent fixture of the city's conscience.

因此，下次您在中央飲用拿鐵咖啡時，請記住那些使一切成為可能的女人。現在是時候香港加緊努力，給這些令人難以置信的人以應有的尊重和賠償。否則，那些助手的周日聚會可能只是成為城市良心的永久性。