HK court backs Filipino woman's fight for residency

[DailyCore]

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HK court backs Filipino woman's fight for residency

A Filipino domestic helper won a legal battle to apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong on Friday, a verdict that residents say would open the floodgate to about 300,000 such workers to also claim the right of abode.

The decision to grant Vallejos Evangeline Banao the right to apply for residency under the Basic Law, Hong Kong's constitution, could also draw in Beijing which might seek to reinterpret the laws under which the territory is governed, analysts said.

Hong Kong High Court Judge M. H. Lam said it was unconstitutional to deny foreign maids the right of residency even though many were employed on short-term, two-year contracts, that are often repeatedly renewed.

"On final analysis, these features whether taken individually or collectively cannot take a FDH's (foreign domestic helper's) residence out of the concept of ordinary residence," Lam wrote in the judgment.

While rights activists and the large Filipino community say a ruling in favor of the helper would be a vote for fairness and non-discrimination, many Hong Kong residents oppose such a prospect, fearing it would open the door to a flood of migrants.

"I am personally disappointed by the judgment," Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang told reporters shortly after the verdict was delivered.

HK court backs Filipino woman's fight for residency - Pinoy Abroad - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News

[legal_cd]

They deserve it man pud para naay pud sila'y additional incentives from the HK govt.

[Eve's Apple Project]

angay ra sad tagaan na silang mga dugay na kaayo sa HK oi..para sad fare, abe diay og gamay ang sweldo wa na diay right?

[burikoy12]

Posible pod nga naay backlash. There are always 2 sides of a coin.

[DailyCore]

In our neighborhood, there was this petite lady who was somewhat controversial (and a perceived embarrassment to some) due to her being a school dropout and a prostitute. She used to work as a cashier at Orange Brutus.

Six years ago (2005), one of her clients - a Hong Kong tourist - got involved with her and was kind enough to bring her with him to Hong Kong. The latest update of her is that she's living well with her HK BF.

In regards to the online news report, she might as well be getting closer to becoming a permanent HK resident.

Under Hong Kong's constitution, foreigners are entitled to permanent residency — and with it, rights to voting, welfare and other services — if they have resided here for a continuous period of seven years.

[KlaytoN]

I was just thinking, on the other hand, nganong gusto man jud ta or ipugos man jud nato maging resident sa usa ka nasud nga dili ta welcome?

[tokidoki_v2.0]

practicality lang siguro bro.

it may be a tough road to walk but i guess it would be beneficial.

[Metz]

I was just thinking, on the other hand, nganong gusto man jud ta or ipugos man jud nato maging resident sa usa ka nasud nga dili ta welcome?

mao sad ako githink but maybe practicalay lang pud.

[madmom]

it's only fair

[DailyCore]

An amendment on HK's constitution can end foreigners' entitlement to permanent residency.