The Hong Kong Labour Department has introduced a special cash subsidy of HK$20,000 for local workers and foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) directly affected by the recent catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, offering crucial financial assistance beyond initial government relief. This targeted support aims to alleviate financial hardship resulting from job disruption and significant loss of property. Applications are now being accepted through a streamlined, multi-channel process managed by the Labour Department, ensuring quick disbursement to eligible individuals.
Aid Targets Workers and Domestic Helpers
The subsidy is designed to support two distinct groups who lost their place of work or residence at the site: local workers and foreign domestic helpers.
For local workers, eligible recipients primarily include maintenance, cleaning, and security personnel previously employed by Wang Fuk Court. Recognizing the immediate loss of income and employment instability following the blaze, the Labour Department is actively collaborating with trade unions and service contractors to identify affected personnel and facilitate applications.
The department has established accessible methods for application submission:
- Fax: 2697 3394
- Email: swac@labour.gov.hk
- In-person/Post: Office of Labour Relations Division (Shatin and Taipo), Rooms 304–313, 3/F, Sha Tin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, New Territories.
Interested workers can download the application form, or direct inquiries to 2929 4054.
Supporting Foreign Domestic Helpers
The program also provides essential assistance to foreign domestic helpers residing in Wang Fuk Court who were displaced. The department acknowledged the acute challenges faced by FDHs, including the loss of personal belongings and limited family support structures within Hong Kong.
To coordinate outreach, the Labour Department is actively liaising with consulates-general and affected employing households. FDHs also have specific application submission channels:
- Fax: 3101 0604
- Email: fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk
- In-person/Post: Foreign Domestic Helpers Division, 16/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon.
For inquiries specific to FDH applications, the dedicated hotline is 3582 8987.
Expedited Processing for Timely Relief
The government’s decision to provide this supplemental HK$20,000 grant underscores the severity of the Wang Fuk Court incident and the immediate need for financial aid within the community. The Labour Department is committed to promptly verifying eligibility and processing applications to ensure timely disbursement of funds. Affected individuals in both categories are strongly urged to apply as soon as possible to expedite access to this vital support.
This targeted initiative reinforces broader governmental efforts to assist residents and workers in the wake of the disaster, aiming to stabilize the livelihoods of those most severely impacted by the fire.