Hong Kong Plans Pilot To Import Trained Elderly Home Carers

The Hong Kong government is moving to test a route for bringing in specially qualified carers to look after elderly residents at home, a proposal that commentator Mike Rowse says could disturb the existing market but ultimately benefit the city.

What the pilot scheme proposes

The plan was referenced briefly in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s policy address, where the government said it would introduce a pilot scheme involving domestic helpers with more advanced training and experience.

Under the idea, these helpers could be brought in specifically to take care of elderly people living at home.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han later expanded on the proposal at a press briefing.

According to that explanation, carers with a suitable certificate of expertise and three years’ relevant experience could expect to earn 10 to 20 per cent more than the normal helper salary.

The current minimum wage for domestic workers is HK$5,100 (US$650) per month.

Why the proposal is sensitive

Rowse framed the proposal through the English expression “set the cat among the pigeons”, which he explained as saying or doing something that causes trouble, alarm, anger or controversy in a peaceful situation.

His point was that allowing specially qualified carers to be imported would upset the market equilibrium.

At the same time, Rowse argued that the shake-up would be to Hong Kong’s benefit.

The likely disruption comes from creating a differentiated category of domestic helper: one with more advanced training and experience, a recognised certificate of expertise, and higher expected pay than the normal helper salary.

How training support fits in

The government also plans to strengthen support for carers by regularising pilot schemes on training for domestic helpers in elderly care and care for people with disabilities.

That training element connects the importation proposal with a broader effort to formalise skills in home-based care.

In practical terms, the scheme separates ordinary domestic work from more specialised elderly care by linking the role to expertise, experience and higher pay.

For Hong Kong, the policy question is not only whether imported carers should be allowed, but how a higher-skilled care track can be introduced without ignoring its effect on the existing helper market.

Source: South China Morning Post