Story of Achi (stories of migrant workers during COVID19)

In October 2019 I started working in Hong Kong through a placement agency. Before being hired at my employer's house, I was forced to work, cleaning the agency's house. I was put in an unfit place, I slept in a narrow kitchen and was not given enough time to rest.

Then I was taken to my employer's house. In the first week, my employer was good at first. After that she treated me inhumanely. My employer always looked for work mistakes and using me as an emotional outlet. Every day I was fed with instant noodles, so I had an acute gastric pains.

In February, the pressure and pressure became even more intense, due to the Corona Virus outbreak. Everything I touch should be cleaned using bleach and other chemicals.

In the first week of February when the Coronavirus outbreak spreading in Hong Kong, I was still given permission to take a day off. My employer gave me 3 masks in one [1] day, on the condition that I have to send a photo to ensure that I maintain cleanliness. Before leaving the house for my day off I was obliged to clean the house, when I returned from vacation I was also obliged to clean the house again.

On the second week, when coronavirus was crippling Hong Kong I was not allowed to take a day off. My employer said it was very dangerous outside and asked me to stay at home. The employer told me that I would be given lunch and dinner and did not need to do housework. In fact, I have to keep working on my days off and without payment.

In the third week I took the courage to ask for my day off, but my employer shouted and scolded me and threatened me. If I take a day off, I will not provide masks and hand sanitizers. My employer also threatened to change my day off on Monday or Tuesday but I refused. So I have to buy the protections tool such as masks and hand sanitizers by myself, sometimes I get that (mask & sanitizer) from the organization that shaded me.

With the corona virus outbreak, my workload has increased. I have to mop more than two times, wipe the doors, windows and all corners of the room using bleach and other chemicals. My employer does not give even a short break. Everything I touch is considered dirty by my employer.