Philippines delays ban on exterior window cleaning after Hong Kong government plea

Employer groups urge the city to improve regulation and safety after the neighbouring nation moves to ban domestic helpers from engaging in the risky task

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A maid cleaning a window at The Legend, Jardine Lookout. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Published: 4:00pm, 14 Oct 2016Updated: 9:31pm, 7 Jul 2017

The Philippines consulate has decided to suspend a ban on all exterior window cleaning by domestic helpers for 30 days after the Hong Kong government requested more time to work out the details of the issue.

The consulate earlier this week announced a new contractual clause would be installed in all Filipino domestic helpers’ contracts stating that cleaning the outside of windows was no longer part of their duties.

Initially, the ban was to take effect from Saturday. However after the Hong Kong government expressed its concerns to the consulate, the Philippines agreed to suspend the action for 30 days to November 14.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung welcomed the delay.

He said more time was needed to work out the practical details of the Philippines’ new measures as well as to seek a balance between the interests of employers and domestic helpers.

“It is understandable for the Philippines consulate to ensure the safety of its citizens, but we were not given sufficient time to discuss the matter,” Cheung said. “We hope … a win-win situation can be forged during the suspension.”