18th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) A crowdfunding initiative has emerged to support a Filipino domestic worker diagnosed with breast cancer, who alleges she was terminated without just cause following her diagnosis. Noelyn Patricio Arzaga’s situation has become emblematic of the challenges faced by many foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong, particularly regarding access to healthcare.
Noelyn, initially diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, found her condition deteriorating to stage three due to delayed treatment. During her leave for medical reasons, her employer insisted she continue working, ultimately leading to her dismissal. Following the termination, Noelyn lost her entitlement to local public healthcare services, causing her treatment costs to skyrocket from HK$80 per session to HK$5,100—an increase of 63 times, surpassing the city’s minimum wage for domestic workers, which stands at HK$4,990 per month.
Betty Yung Ma Shan-yee, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Employers of Overseas Domestic Helpers Association, acknowledged the complexities surrounding the case but refrained from commenting on specific details. She cautioned employers against dismissing sick workers, as such actions could potentially violate both the Employment Ordinance and the Disability Discrimination Ordinance.
The situation has drawn attention to the plight of migrant workers, who often feel pressured to prioritise their employer’s needs over their health. Advocacy groups report a troubling pattern of similar incidents, where workers have been dismissed due to health issues, particularly cancer. These workers face a difficult choice: either seek necessary medical care or comply with their employer’s demands to maintain their jobs and visas.
The crowdfunding campaign aims to alleviate Noelyn’s financial burden as she prepares for her next chemotherapy session. Despite her dire circumstances, she faces the additional challenge of lacking adequate medical facilities in her home country of the Philippines, making her reliance on Hong Kong’s healthcare system even more critical.
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