Shady, violent operations of Southeast Asian scam farms back in spotlight
Recent high-profile rescue of mainland actor Wang Xing has put the plight of thousands trapped in compounds in focus
難民處境｜因宗教逼害留港16年 為確立難民身份—無法規劃的人生
難民議題多年來爭論不休，社會圍繞的爭拗點在於酷刑聲請審核機制存漏洞，質疑被所謂「假難民」濫用，湧港打黑工、作奸犯科，政府年耗逾10億元公帑處理難民問題，對社會構成沉重負擔；但亦有聲音反映香港作為國際社會一員，以人道立場保護尋求庇護者是應盡的責任。
在爭議聲中在港生活約1.5萬名免遣反聲請者，有些人有鄉歸不得，在原居國因政治、戰爭、宗教、性傾向等原因受迫害，逃來香港尋求庇護，成功的話可獲安排至第三國家，香港從來只是一個中途站。他們為渺茫的1%聲請確立的機會，耗上十年時光，期間不能工作，靠着微薄的津貼過活，周旋於複雜的法律程序和無了期的等待，人生從此無法做長遠規劃。現行機制是否能讓這些真正有移居需要、在港飄泊的難民得到公平機會，開展新生活？一個滯港16年的真實案例，也許能讓社會對此有更多了解。
‘Justice is hard’: Hong Kong domestic helpers welcome rare rape conviction
One of the few successful prosecutions involving a foreign domestic worker underlines the challenges faced by migrant women in securing justice.
【Home & Away 慈善足球錦標賽2024】「球」同存異 社區共融足球賽 以支援居港難民、免遣返聲請人和人口販運倖存者
Hong Kong asylum seekers returning to blaze-hit New Lucky House denied aid over lack of ID cards
- Asylum seekers say they did not receive financial and other help given to New Lucky House fire victims
- Some help agencies say they provided aid regardless of whether victims had Hong Kong identity cards
- Asylum seekers from as far away as Pakistan and East Africa head to mainland China, where they cross illegally into Hong Kong, sometimes in treacherous conditions
- Critics question validity of claims and efficiency of processes, with about 14,700 asylum seekers waiting to hear from city’s unified screening mechanism or appeal system
- Sri Lankan women make up less than 1 per cent of foreign domestic workers and don’t have strong networks, in contrast with some other groups of helpers
- In a small community without full consular representation, Sri Lankans ‘don’t know where to get help’, NGOs say
Branches of Hope’s STOP team is thrilled to have collaborated with SCMP journalists in highlighting Gita’s story and the growing challenges faced by the Sri Lankan community of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.
In our experience, economic hardships and limited job opportunities back home often leave Sri Lankan workers vulnerable to exploitation. They are frequently deceived or coerced into illegal employment arrangements, unpaid labor, and debt bondage. Fear of deportation, language & information barriers, combined with the absence of consular presence, further hinder their access to support.
While Gita’s case may not have resulted in the justice she deserved, it has only fueled her determination to speak up for her community, to warn others about the unscrupulous practices of unethical brokers, and to encourage those trapped in difficult employment situations to seek assistance. We are immensely proud and inspired by Gita’s strength and compassion.
Alongside Gita and all those who have experienced exploitation, Branches of Hope will continue our efforts to bring about positive change and strive for a future where all workers are treated with dignity and fairness.
