Hong Kong government sets backup plans on case of foreign domestic helpers' right of abode
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The government is ready with contingency plans if a court ruling, expected on Thursday, grants the right of abode to foreign domestic helpers resident in Hong Kong for seven years or more, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said on Monday.
The government opposes the petition that would grant the right of abode to an estimated 100,000 foreign domestic helpers now living in the city and their families.
The case was brought to court by a small group of foreign domestic helpers, which resulted in a three-day hearing in August.
The total number of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong is estimated at 300,000.
One recourse would be for the SAR government to seek an interpretation of the Basic Law from the National People's Congress Standing Committee, but the security secretary said the government will strive to win the litigation within the judicial system of Hong Kong as far as possible.
He added: "We of course hope we will win the case, given it has very deep, far-reaching impacts on Hong Kong.
"As soon as the verdict is delivered, we will accordingly launch contingency plans."
The counsel representing the foreign domestic helpers submitted they are entitled to permanent residency in accordance with the Basic Law after staying in Hong Kong for more than seven years.
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