Maria (not her real name), 57, left her hometown in the Philippines to work in Macau as a domestic worker in the 90’s. More than 17 years have gone by and in many aspects she still feels like a stranger in the city
“I tried to apply [for residency] five years ago, but the employment agency told me the government wouldn’t approve it,” she recalls.
The lack of information is a problem for Maria, who has been working and living in the territory for almost two decades away from her family. “It would be more advantageous for me if I could get a white card [Macau ID], but I don’t know what to do and I cannot afford to pay a lawyer,” she bemoans.
She heard the news from Hong Kong where the High Court ruled on Friday the law couldn’t prevent domestic helpers from asking for residency in the neighbouring SAR.
Under the HKSAR law, foreigners can apply to settle in the city after seven years of uninterrupted residency. Foreign maids – like other expats – must still fulfil other criteria before gaining residency rights, including providing proof that they planned to make Hong Kong their permanent home.
Continue reading at Macau Daily Times
