How Hong Kong’s foreign carer scheme aims to get ahead of ageing city

When I first heard about the Hong Kong government’s plans to allow the importation of specially qualified carers to look after the elderly, my mind turned to some colloquial English expressions. The first was “set the cat among the pigeons”, which basically means to say or do something that causes a good deal of trouble, alarm, anger or controversy in a peaceful situation.

The immediate trigger for this thinking was a brief reference in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s policy address to the government introducing a pilot scheme in which domestic helpers with more advanced training and experience could be brought in to take care of the elderly living at home.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han expanded on the idea in a subsequent press briefing. In short, carers possessing a suitable certificate of expertise and three years’ relevant experience could expect to be paid 10 to 20 per cent more than the normal helper salary. The minimum wage for domestic workers is currently HK$5,100 (US$650) per month.

The government will also strengthen its support for carers by regularising the pilot schemes on training for domestic helpers in elderly care and care for people with disabilities.