PHL Consulate thanks HK gov't for temporary halt to mandatory vaccination of helpers

The Philippine Consulate on Tuesday acknowledged Hong Kong government for its "understanding" after it temporarily stopped its order to require COVID-19 vaccination for domestic workers in the region.

"We thank Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Hong Kong government for their understanding and magnanimity. We stand ready to work and engage with the Hong Kong Government and other concerned Consulates General in constructive dialogue on this important issue," read the country's consulate Facebook post after the Hong Kong government said it would review first its mandatory vaccination directive.

Nonetheless, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong encourages Filipinos there to avail Hong Kong's free and voluntary vaccination program.

A Reuters report earlier said Hong Kong authorities rowed back on plans to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers, after human rights groups slammed the policy as being discriminatory.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday said the vaccine policy was being suspended after a backlash from workers' groups who said they were being unfairly singled out, and a Philippine government official criticized the move.

"I have asked the secretary for labor to review the whole policy, and to consult advisers and consulates for the countries where domestic workers primarily come from as to whether compulsory vaccinations can be done," Lam had said.

Filipinos and other foreign helpers were alarmed after the Hong Kong government required COVID-19 vaccination when applying for working visa or renewal of contracts.

Dolores Bolladores, chair of United Filipinos in Hong Kong, called the directive as "act of discrimination and stigmatization against migrant domestic workers."—Consuelo Marquez/LDF, GMA News