Domestic helpers are the unsung heroes of Hong Kong: they do the housework, and take care of babies and the elderly, so that local men and women can stay in the workforce and earn a living. A case in point is my post-surgery 89-year-old grandfather, who requires the daily care of a helper to live a decent life.
On their days off, all helpers are looking for is a chance to put up their feet and meet their peers. Given the limited space in the city, they have no choice but to occupy the parks, footbridges and roadside areas.
The fact is, domestic helpers just don’t have many places to congregate in during holidays. To suggest that they are an eyesore and a nuisance is nothing but a complete affront to their character and blatant disregard for their contribution. After all, it is because of their dedication to local families that the economy here can continue to flourish.