Silent suffering: how a domestic helper’s Hong Kong dream became a nightmare

South China Morning Post

by Emily Hung

February 22, 2026

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Silent suffering: how a domestic helper’s Hong Kong dream became a nightmare A Nepalese domestic helper, Sanju*, arrived in Hong Kong in 2023 seeking a better life but found herself trapped in exploitation and abuse. Her first employer paid her well below the minimum wage, restricted her sleep to just two hours a day, and provided only two months’ worth of pay over six months. After being dismissed without notice, Sanju faced further hardships with a new employer who subjected her to even harsher conditions—sleeping on a small, uncomfortable floor space with no access to basic amenities like a fan or breakfast. Despite her efforts to adapt, including attempting to cook for herself, she was met with hostility and had her food discarded. Sanju’s story highlights the systemic exploitation faced by many foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong, who often lack legal recourse due to language barriers and reliance on employers for housing and work permits. Her case underscores the urgent need for stronger labor protections and greater awareness of the challenges faced by migrant workers in the region. Her experience is not isolated; it reflects broader issues of labor rights violations and the need for systemic change to protect vulnerable workers. Sanju’s journey from hope to hardship serves as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by many migrants seeking a better future, only to encounter exploitation and abuse behind closed doors.

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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/22/2026