Between Home and Away – Foreign Domestic Helpers’ Struggle for Belonging

In the bustling cities of Hong Kong and Singapore, a silent army of foreign domestic helpers exists. These women, hailing mostly from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar, leave behind their families and homeland in search of better economic opportunities. However, their journey is fraught with challenges as they navigate the complexities of working in a foreign land while striving to maintain a sense of belonging. For many foreign domestic helpers, the initial excitement of securing employment abroad is quickly overshadowed by the harsh reality of isolation and discrimination. Despite being an integral part of the workforce in their host countries, they often find themselves marginalized and invisible in society. Discriminatory attitudes based on ethnicity, nationality, and socio-economic status exacerbates their struggle for acceptance. Language barriers further compound their difficulties, making simple tasks like grocery shopping or seeking medical help arduous undertakings. Limited proficiency in the local language restricts their social interactions and perpetuates their sense of alienation. Consequently, many foreign domestic helpers find solace in congregating with others from similar backgrounds, forming tight-knit communities within their host countries.

Moreover, the nature of their work as domestic helpers exacerbates their feelings of displacement. They often inhabit the homes of their employers, blurring the boundaries between work and personal space. This constant proximity can lead to feelings of intrusion and a lack of privacy, further exacerbating their sense of displacement and detachment from their own identity. Many cultivate a sense of belonging through religious practices, participating in church services or mosque gatherings where they find companionship and support. Additionally, some engage in cultural activities and celebrations from their home countries, creating a sense of familiarity and connection amidst the foreign landscape. Yet, their struggle for belonging extends beyond their personal lives to the legal and institutional frameworks of their host countries. In both Hong Kong and Singapore, 外傭 face restrictive visa regulations and labor laws that limit their mobility and autonomy. These policies perpetuate their status as temporary migrants, reinforcing their transient existence and undermining their efforts to integrate into society.

Despite these challenges, foreign domestic helpers demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability. Efforts to address the plight of foreign domestic helpers have been met with mixed success. Advocacy groups and NGOs continue to lobby for improved working conditions and social integration programs. However, deep-seated societal attitudes and structural inequalities pose formidable obstacles to meaningful change. Ultimately, the plight of foreign domestic helpers highlights broader issues of migration, labor exploitation, and social exclusion. Their struggle for belonging is a poignant reminder of the human cost of globalization and the urgent need for inclusive policies that recognize and respect the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or occupation. In the midst of their precarious existence, foreign domestic helpers persist in their quest for belonging, carving out spaces of belonging in the margins of society. Their resilience and determination serve as a testament to the enduring human spirit, transcending borders and boundaries in search of a place to call home.