‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place’

‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place’ is a new short documentary film made for the Progressive Labor Union of Domestic Workers – Hong Kong (Pludw Hk) and Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Union (FADWU), by Ivan Abreu (Blink Audiovisuals) and myself (Rights Exposure).

The film investigates the illegal activities of employment agencies in Hong Kong through personal stories, expert analysis, and undercover recordings in agency offices. It highlights the failure of the #hongkong government to protect the rights of Filipino migrant domestic workers and punish the illegal activities of the agencies.

Background:
Filipino migrant domestic workers are charged illegal fees by unscrupulous employment agencies in both the Philippines and Hong Kong. The practice is widespread and government systems to prevent such illegal activities are not fit for purpose. As a result, many migrant domestic workers have little choice but to pay these exorbitant fees and become heavily indebted, making it difficult to leave exploitative and abusive employers. Agencies often deter domestic workers from leaving abusive employment situations to ensure they get paid the fees, and use confiscation of passports and ID cards as a coercive tool.

The film accompanies a research report produced by the Pludw Hk published on 30 October 2016 (available in Chinese and English). Downloads of the film are available on request.

Source: Robert Godden