While keen to understand her obligations and next steps as an employer, she also wanted to ensure her employee was entitled to healthcare as an MDW living in HK and protect the wellbeing of her baby.
As an unplanned pregnancy, Lisa initially considered giving her baby up for adoption. However, after some deliberation and with the support of a PathFinders’ case worker she decided to ask her family to help care for her baby so she could complete her employment contract with Ms Chan.
Not fluent in English, Ms Chan was anxious at first about the language barrier between her and Lisa, fearing this may lead to miscommunication when navigating the pregnancy, childbirth and plans for Lisa’s baby. Yet with support and facilitation of a PathFinders’ case worker, Ms Chan and Lisa were able to successfully navigate the situation over time, ensuring open discussions to enable both parties to make concrete and sustainable plans for their respective families. At the same time, Ms Chan encouraged Lisa to understand the different processes involved, to be empowered in making decisions, as well as to be independent and proactive – rather than overly reliant on her case worker.
Lisa worked until her baby arrived, at which point PathFinders supported with documentation so she could travel back to Indonesia for her ML to bond with her baby, spend time with her elder son and settle her baby with her family.
Lisa is now back in HK and continuing her employment with Ms Chan, whose strong support has enabled Lisa to keep her employment. In turn, this has ensured Lisa can continue to provide a safe and secure future for her children, and the much-needed financial support for her extended family.
