A survey of ads for jobs in Asia and the Middle East discovered that domestic workers are paid most in Hong Kong. However, they earn a fraction of what they would make if they worked in wealthier countries.
Activists said the survey emphasized the need for action to undertake the low salaries of migrant domestic workers in the two regions and help stamp out abuse.
Domestic workers earn the highest in Hong Kong, at USD 567 (PHP 27,590) a month, according to the study by HelperChoice, a Web site that connects employers with domestic workers seeking jobs. They earn more than they could back home, but far below the monthly minimum wage domestic workers earn in countries such as Australia or France, based on 40 hours of work per week.
Eman Villanueva, a spokesperson for Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, said the survey reflects how poorly paid domestic workers are in Asia and the Middle East. The findings also highlight the poor treatment of maids in Asia and the Middle East.
