<![CDATA[Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins]]>I came across this article from the standard (newspapers in hong kong) and posted part of the article here.

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Helpers chase a permanent place in city

Monday, July 11, 2011

Some of about 290,000 domestic workers could become permanent residents if five Filipinos are successful in a judicial review in the High Court next month.

The five have lived in Hong Kong for more than seven years and are challenging the Immigration Ordinance.

One of their legal representatives said yesterday the ordinance does not follow the Basic Law, which grants those who have lived in the SAR for seven years the right to apply for permanent residency.

One of the group, he said, has worked here for 25 years and applied without success for permanent residence in 2008.

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i know in spore, the answer from the govt is a big "NO", but do you think that the maids here deserved the right to stay after working in spore for more than 7 years?

cos if they get pr status, maybe there might come a time, we or our children dont need to have them under same roof but can be daily help cos they have their own place to stay??? but do see there will definitely be more burden on our welfare benefits.

also this might mean more social problems etc. so probably not a good idea to grant them pr status.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/23839/maids-seeking-pr-status-in-hk-and-winsRSS for NodeTue, 12 May 2026 19:52:40 GMTMon, 11 Jul 2011 01:02:32 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:27:04 GMT]]>Hong Kong court overturns maid residency ruling


AFP
Wednesday, Mar 28, 2012

HONG KONG - Hong Kong’s court of appeal on Wednesday overturned a landmark ruling that opened the door for thousands of foreign maids to claim residency in the southern Chinese city.

"It must be up to the sovereign authority to decide the extent to which the status of permanent resident should be conceded to foreign nationals," Judge Andrew Cheung wrote in a 66-page judgement accepting the government’s appeal.

The High Court ruled on September 30 last year that Philippine domestic worker Evangeline Banao Vallejos had the right to request permanent residency status, something that had been denied to foreign maids until then.

But the government argued that the authorities had discretionary power to decide who was eligible for residency, rejecting arguments that restrictions on maids were unconstitutional and discriminatory.

The three-judge panel on the court of appeal unanimously accepted that argument, saying the High Court could not override the government’s authority to decide who can live in the city and who cannot.

The decision will come as a major blow to tens of thousands of maids who could have been eligible for residency status if the Vallejos case had been established in law.

"It is a fundamental principle in international law that a sovereign state has the power to admit, exclude and expel aliens," Cheung wrote.

Vallejos’s lawyers were not present in court but they have previously indicated they will take the case to Hong

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/736929https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/736929Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:27:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:16:14 GMT]]>from the standard hk.


Abode floodgates open

Diana Lee and Mary Ann Benitez (

Thursday, October 27, 2011

A floodgate of people seeking to be residents of Hong Kong has been thrown wide open to foreign domestic helpers. That seemed the case as the government yesterday lost another round in a legal battle to block foreign helpers.

The legal decision was followed by Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu- kwong sounding an alert: the number of right-of-abode applications by helpers has recently jumped from one a month to an average of 16 or 17, he said.

Lee added: \"I was told there were 20 just yesterday.\"

He revealed the figures just hours after Court of First Instance judge Johnson Lam Man-hon denied a government request for a stay on his landmark decision that effectively opens the way for Filipino domestic helper Evangeline Banao Vallejos to have right of abode.

She had already been successful in a judicial review that challenged the legality of an Immigration Department ban on helpers being able to apply for right of abode no matter how many years they have been in Hong Kong.

Lam's order yesterday was for the matter of Vallejos' permanent residence to go to the Registration of Persons Tribunal for a decision in line with his ruling on September 30.

Lam also said the tactics of the government to continue to put a hold on processing applications does not constitute contempt of court or undermine the rule of law.

But he cautioned that the government might be opening itself up to judicial reviews by dissatisfied applicants.

After huddling with other government legal representatives, David Pannick, QC, asked for a written judgment that yesterday's decision on Vallejos applied only to her and did not impose an obligation on the government to take action in future cases of right- of-abode applicants. The government is still working on an appeal against the September ruling.

Secretary for Justice Wong Yan- lung said the government will seek to expedite a hearing before the Court of Appeal.

Gladys Li Chi-hei, senior counsel for Vallejos, noted that the Registration of Persons Tribunal's position is that if not for the block on applications in the Immigration Ordinance then Vallejos has met requirements for permanent residency.

And it is \"100 percent\" likely that Vallejos will get permanent residency, her solicitor, Mark Daly, said.

Daly also said an affidavit was filed last Friday by the Vallejos legal team that drew on an expert statistician's view about a government estimate that some 400,000 helpers and their dependents would be eligible to apply for right of abode if the September ruling stood. The expert concluded that the \"estimates of the government are totally unrealistic.\"

The government study \"used crude and unreliable data,\" Daly added, \"and the worst-case scenario that the government talked about is simply not possible.\"

There were 292,473 foreign domestic helpers in the SAR as of June, with the greatest number from Indonesia followed by the Philippines.

Preliminary findings from a survey this month by the Mission for Migrant Workers of 162 helpers showed that of those who have lived in the SAR for more than seven years - the minimum required for an abode application - 59 percent have no dependent children.

And only 35 percent said they would seek to have family members join them if they had right of abode.

Security chief Lee, meanwhile, ruled out imposing a stay limit on helpers to serve as stop-gap measure to prevent more of them chalking up seven years.

The government, he said, wanted to \"avoid disruption of thousands of families who employ helpers.\"

New People's Party chairwoman and former secretary for security Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said she believes the Immigration Department will be put under great stress by Lam's \"ambiguous\" ruling.

But Civic Party leader and lawmaker Alan Leong Kah-kit said the court has confirmed that the Immigration Department is the gatekeeper to decide whether to allow individual applications. He also said that seeking an interpretation of the Basic Law by Beijing is \"meaningless.\"

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/620408https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/620408Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:16:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 02:43:44 GMT]]>this is a letter in the st forum. i dont know if the writer is local or foreigner but i do believe some citizens do share his view.

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PR for maids: Why the discrimination?
Published on Oct 8, 2011

MR JIMMY Ho contends that maids in Singapore should not be considered for permanent resident status (‘PR for maids not for Singapore’; Tuesday).

While the fear of the flood gates opening argument may support the contention, workers in all other industries and sectors who are not professionals have been granted permanent residence.

As long as we continue to do so, discriminating against maids, wherever they may come from, cannot be right. After all, maids have educational, and at times professional, qualifications beyond those required for their job as a maid.

A more effective measure would be to prescribe a minimum number of years of stay in Singapore - that is set much higher than that for professionals - for non-professional workers to apply for PR status.

This criterion should be uniformly applied to the different categories of workers - that is, for all non-professionals and not just for maids.

M. Lukshumayeh

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/605821https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/605821Sat, 08 Oct 2011 02:43:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:42:33 GMT]]>you give them one inch, they want > one foot … there’s no end to their list of growing unsatisfying demands, as they get more & more greedy.


our country better stand rooted firmly on our ground.
our whole country will turn into chaos, topsy turvy one fine day if let all these maids so easy become PRs. Then our own SG citizens suffer miserably … all lose jobs. SG citizens better stand & stick close to one another, be united. Recall - ‘Who move my cheese’ ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/604733https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/604733Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:42:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:45:11 GMT]]>The difference is that HK immigration law states that a person may apply for PR if they are:

Foreigners (persons not of Chinese nationality) who have lived in Hong Kong lawfully for 7 years and have taken Hong Kong as their permanent place of residence.

This is what she fought as she was denied application under this clause because she is a FDW so claimed it was discrimination.

Under Singapore law the only people eligible are:
(a) Spouse and unmarried children of a Singapore Citizen
(/Singapore PR
(b) Aged Parents of a citizen
© P, Q or S work pass holders
(d) Investors/Entrepreneurs

It clearly excludes work permit holders.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/604681https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/604681Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:45:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:19:14 GMT]]>lt’s a matter of time before some human rights group put up the proposal on their behalf (which was what happenened in HK for the maids)

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/603744https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/603744Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:19:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:07:51 GMT]]>truth be told - there are already a number of cases where one parent was separated due to 9th August 1965 (wrong side of the causeway at the wrong time) while the rest of the family are in singapore - even this kind of cases still cannot get PR … all others got to wait long long long hor, unless you have got recognised uni degreee

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/602549https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/602549Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:07:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:03:57 GMT]]>

nms1:
The key thing in Singapore is that there is no automatic right to PR i.e. you don't automatically get it after a certain number of years. Even if a maid did apply she wouldn't be approved. Yes, they would probably stand a remote chance if they returned home then married a Singaporean and came back here to live but it would still be unlikely given the number of people being rejected at the moment.

the maid will have no chance because of prior work permit record

it is in the system - once a work permit holder, permanently barred from getting PR via marriage

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/602541https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/602541Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:03:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 07:12:31 GMT]]>These people doesn’t know where to stop.


1) First they ask for off days
2) Than they ask for mandatory off days a month
3) Now 4x a month
4) Ask for 8 hours duty a day
5) Ask for higher pay
6) Than ask for minimum wage
7) Ask for annual leave
😎 Now ask for PR status

I don’t know what they’ll ask next. Best is not to rely so much on FDW otherwise, there’s no end to this saga.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/602226https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/602226Tue, 04 Oct 2011 07:12:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:55:48 GMT]]>The key thing in Singapore is that there is no automatic right to PR i.e. you don’t automatically get it after a certain number of years. Even if a maid did apply she wouldn’t be approved. Yes, they would probably stand a remote chance if they returned home then married a Singaporean and came back here to live but it would still be unlikely given the number of people being rejected at the moment.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601794https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601794Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:55:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:39:28 GMT]]>

MummyThreeStreams:
peterch:

[quote=\"Angelight\"]Aiya, Peter, I'm not familiar with the PR and citizenship criteria in Spore lah. But what if they marry a singaporean, can they apply for PR?


Hahahaha....... In that case, YES they could. 😂

Applying is one thing; getting approval is another. A distant relative (retired widower) married a foreigner, and her PR application keeps getting rejected. I read in the papers a few months ago that many foreign brides are in this position, so are totally reliant on their Singaporean husbands.[/quote]and that foreigner was not a former work permit holder ? it is not easy for foreign spouse to become PR via marriage

hence, looking at all the foreign workers on work permits ...... hardly any chance for them to settle in singapore -- therefore singaporeans do not need to be overly paranoid over foreign workers who are here to help build the infrastructure and facilities, and to serve tables and drive buses

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601349https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601349Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:39:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:34:31 GMT]]>

peterch:
Angelight:

Aiya, Peter, I'm not familiar with the PR and citizenship criteria in Spore lah. But what if they marry a singaporean, can they apply for PR?


Hahahaha....... In that case, YES they could. 😂

they can't. work permit regulations state very clearly they cannot marry any singaporean here, so no chance to apply for pr via marriage route

rom computer will check on mom computer

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601348https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601348Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:34:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:32:25 GMT]]>

Angelight:
Aiya, Peter, I'm not familiar with the PR and citizenship criteria in Spore lah. But what if they marry a singaporean, can they apply for PR?

work permit holder not allowed to marry singaporeans

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601346https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601346Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:32:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:31:13 GMT]]>

Angelight:
Serious? They will appeal all the way to Beijing?! Wonder if this will ever happen to Spore one day, whereby foreign maids become PRs here?

the HK authority will appeal all the way to Beijing, not the maid

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601344https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601344Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:31:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:13:33 GMT]]>

peterch:
Angelight:

Aiya, Peter, I'm not familiar with the PR and citizenship criteria in Spore lah. But what if they marry a singaporean, can they apply for PR?


Hahahaha....... In that case, YES they could. 😂

Applying is one thing; getting approval is another. A distant relative (retired widower) married a foreigner, and her PR application keeps getting rejected. I read in the papers a few months ago that many foreign brides are in this position, so are totally reliant on their Singaporean husbands.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601263https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601263Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:13:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:17:54 GMT]]>

Angelight:
Aiya, Peter, I'm not familiar with the PR and citizenship criteria in Spore lah. But what if they marry a singaporean, can they apply for PR?

Hahahaha....... In that case, YES they could. 😂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601232https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601232Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:17:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:04:02 GMT]]>Aiya, Peter, I’m not familiar with the PR and citizenship criteria in Spore lah. But what if they marry a singaporean, can they apply for PR?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601224https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601224Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:04:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:04:02 GMT]]>Aiya, Peter, I’m not familiar with the PR and citizenship criteria in Spore lah. But what if they marry a singaporean, can they apply for PR?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601223https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601223Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:04:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:36:30 GMT]]>

Angelight:
Serious? They will appeal all the way to Beijing?! Wonder if this will ever happen to Spore one day, whereby foreign maids become PRs here?

You are kidding..... :rotflmao:

Criteria to become SPR is so high to certain extend. The last 2 years, almost 90% applications been rejected :?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601209https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601209Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:36:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:29:55 GMT]]>Serious? They will appeal all the way to Beijing?! Wonder if this will ever happen to Spore one day, whereby foreign maids become PRs here?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601206https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601206Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:29:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 07:55:24 GMT]]>

thankgod:
The point about it is that now HK allows FDW to make applications to gain PR status. Can you imagine what will happen if that is to follow in Singapore?

the HK case is not final yet

there are appeals coming up, and if the HK court upholds the approval to apply, they will appeal all the way to Beijing.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601012https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/601012Mon, 03 Oct 2011 07:55:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:36:47 GMT]]>The point about it is that now HK allows FDW to make applications to gain PR status. Can you imagine what will happen if that is to follow in Singapore?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/600917https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/600917Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:36:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 13:59:03 GMT]]>

peapot:
So does it means the maid was granted PR?

No. She only won the right to make an application

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/599767https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/599767Sat, 01 Oct 2011 13:59:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Maids seeking PR status in HK and wins on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:23:03 GMT]]>So does it means the maid was granted PR?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/599546https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/599546Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:23:03 GMT