Decision follows partial relaxation of entry ban on foreigners which allowed Indonesian and Filipino helpers back into Macao.
domestic helpers
From Monday, families with children under 12 or caring for a disabled member will be allowed to apply under new regulations.
Government’s scheme to bring Filipino domestic helpers into city welcomed, but could cost potential employers up to MOP 30,000.
Potential employees must be double-jabbed and can only work in certain households; pilot scheme may open the door to foreign teachers in future.
Health chief also concerned about availability of quarantine hotel rooms and what to do if many new arrivals test positive for Covid-19.
Ma Io Fong claims salaries have soared since the start of the pandemic, seeks to set up database of helpers and ‘protect rights of helpers and employers’.
Working parents desperately need help at home, and may not speak Mandarin or be able to afford mainlanders’ higher wages.
Potential risk of importing Covid-19 outweighs potential benefits, even though families are desperate for help and workers are more than willing to come.
Entry process would span six weeks, but could ease the complicated situation which has stranded many foreign workers in the city.