The deadly fire at Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court, which reached a Level 5 alarm, resulted in severe casualties, including a number of foreign domestic helpers. Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Sun Yu-han, held a press conference this afternoon alongside Secretary of Philippines Department of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac, stating that Hong Kong government will provide comprehensive support and assistance to the foreign domestic helpers affected by the fire.
Secretary of Labor and Welfare, Chris Sun You-han meets media with Secretary of Migrant Workers of Philippines ,Hans Leo J. Cacdac, stating the relief measures towards foreign domestic helpers affected by Tai Po fire. Photo by Bastillepost
Sun Yu-han stated that deceased foreign domestic helpers are eligible for statutory compensation, with a preliminary estimate exceeding HK$500,000. Additionally, the government will provide a one-time ex-gratia payment of HK$200,000 and a special grant of HK$50,000, bringing the total compensation for each deceased helper to approximately HK$800,000.
For injured helpers, a condolence payment of either HK$50,000 or HK$100,000 will be provided based on their hospitalization duration. Helpers who survived and are safe will receive a one-time payment of HK$20,000. Furthermore, both injured and safe helpers will receive an Octopus card with a stored value of HK$2,000.
Wang Fuk Court, after the deadly fire happened last Wednesday. Photo by Bastillepost
Sun Yu-han reported that 235 foreign domestic helpers were employed at Wang Fuk Court. Among them, 10 are deceased, 3 are injured, 192 are safe, and 30 remain missing. Of these helpers, 94 are from the Philippines and 141 are from Indonesia.
Secretary of Philippines Department of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong SAR government for its swift and comprehensive support arrangements. The Consulate has already provided survivors with temporary accommodation, basic supplies, and is assisting in reissuing immigration and identification documents lost in the fire, while also cooperating with the Hong Kong Immigration Department to expedite processing.
Secretary of Migrant Workers of Philippines Hans Leo J. Cacdac, on behalf of Philippine President, expresses the deepest sympathy to those affected by Tai Po fire. Photo by Bastillepost
He also mentioned that a Filipino domestic helper who was previously in critical condition and admitted to the ICU is now stable. Arrangements are being made for her to return to her home country to reunite with her family in the future. For the deceased helpers, financial and other assistance has been provided to their families.
