How can Hong Kong employers, domestic helpers avoid clashes over religious practices? Industry groups call for candid talks before signing contracts

Topic enters public spotlight after Muslim domestic helper files a HK$255,000 lawsuit against her former employers, accusing them of demanding she stop observing her faith

Industry group says many employers ‘forget their homes are also their helpers’ workplaces’ and should talk about both parties’ religious practices before hiring

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Domestic helpers spend their day off at Victoria Park in Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 6:30pm, 15 Sep 2023Updated: 7:40pm, 15 Sep 2023

Hong Kong labour and employer groups have urged foreign domestic helpers and their bosses to talk openly about religious practices in the workplace before signing contracts, adding that clashes over the topic are common due to a lack of sensitivity and communication.

The topic entered the public spotlight after a Muslim domestic helper filed a HK$255,000 (US$32,576) discrimination lawsuit against her former employers on Thursday.

The woman accused her employers of requiring her to stop praying or wearing a jilbab, a full-length garment, if she wanted to keep her job.

Unions and employer representatives on Friday said such disputes were common and called for more dialogue between bosses and helpers about their religious practices and how to accommodate each other in the workplace.

Sringatin, chairwoman of the Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Union, said employers still held a lot of power over when helpers could pray or what they wore, despite the importance of discussing such topics before contracts were signed.