1. Challenges and concerns of divorce by EM communities by Ahmed Ashfaq

2. Legal Framework of Divorce in Hong Kong by Ted Chan

3. Coparenting support and resources by Ave Cheung

4. Q&A

Date: 10 July 2025 (Thur)

Time : 10:30am-12:30pm

Venue : Circle Of Love Specialised Coparenting Support Centre

Address : 5B, Car Park, Tin Heng Estate, Tin Shui Wai, NT

Tel : 3921-3909

Target Audience : Staff of Outreaching Team for Ethnic Minorities (NTW)

Speakers :

1) Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor of the High Court of Hong Kong

2) Ted Chan, Barrister, HKSAR

3) Ave Cheung, Social Worker, Circle of Love

Let’s remember that while we often take, true fulfilment comes from helping those in need in our society. Even small actions can make a big difference through the combined efforts of government departments, NGOs, friends, supporters, and volunteers. Empowering our society to recognise their needs and reach out for proper support, we remind ourselves that real happiness comes from helping others.

Thank you to all the participants, Probono HK, Caritas Hub 13 (TKW), Wells Fargo, my friends, lawyers, and volunteers!

Session One

First of all, a big thank you to everyone who came together to make this seminar happen. From the organisations that coordinated it to the amazing probono volunteer lawyers who gave their time and expertise—this was truly a team effort.

This seminar was part of our response to the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, where we quickly put out FAQs to help the public understand their rights. Today's session focused on foreign domestic helpers and honestly, it was eye-opening. Many helpers didn’t know what support they’re entitled to.

Now, thanks to this seminar, those who joined in person and on Zoom can share this knowledge with others.

What stood out to me:

• Domestic workers have rights—and they need to know them.

• Help is out there, but awareness is the first step.

• When communities share information, everyone benefits.

• Collaboration works. When we join forces, we make a real impact.

I truly believe we need more sessions like this. Awareness isn’t just helpful—it’s life-changing.

ILM HK!

Today, I took part in a community seminar organised by probonohk, in collaboration with LINK Centre, with the support of Wells Fargo, the Social Welfare Department, Hong Kong Community Network Limited, and Chaudhry Solicitors.

The session provided a valuable opportunity to engage with members of ethnic minority communities and to listen to the everyday challenges they experience within their neighbourhoods.

During the discussions, some commonly raised areas of concern included:

• Housing-related matters

• Access to dental services

• Employment opportunities

• Language-related challenges

The conversations underscored the importance of continued, on-the-ground engagement and coordinated support. Ongoing dialogue between community members and relevant service providers can play an important role in helping ensure that concerns are understood and appropriately conveyed to the relevant channels.

The session lasted nearly four hours, reflecting both the depth of the issues discussed and the value of creating safe spaces for community voices to be heard. Additional sessions and sustained engagement may be beneficial in supporting these communities over time.

My sincere thanks to all participating organisations, volunteers, our intern Ian Tse, and community members who generously shared their time and perspectives during this initiative.

Your Legal Rights and Support as a Foreign Domestic Worker affected by the fires at Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court.

Today’s second session of Community Care for Domestic Helpers, organised by the Hong Kong Islamic Youth Association and funded by the Li Ka Shing Foundation, was nothing short of powerful. With the support of probonohk, Institute of Leadership & Management Foundation, the Indonesian Muslims Association in Hong Kong and Chaudhry Solicitors, the room filled up quickly.

Among the attendees were many domestic helpers affected by the Tai Po fire incident. Their presence brought a deep sense of responsibility and reminded us why this initiative matters so much.

Key Insights and Reflections

Across both sessions, one truth has repeated itself over and over again:

Most of the domestic helpers do not know their basic rights.

Simple rights, rights written clearly in their contracts, were things many had never even seen, let alone understood.

Many didn’t know that:

• They are entitled to dental care.

• Even if insurance covers only part of the cost, their employer must pay the remaining balance; helpers should receive full medical and dental coverage.

• If the employer is abroad, helpers must still reside at the official employment address.

• Employers cannot buy out weekly rest days.

One statutory rest day per week is not optional, negotiable, or replaceable with cash.

These aren’t privileges.

They are basic rights, legal, and meant to protect their well-being.

Yet so many helpers learned these facts for the very first time today.

And that is why these sessions matter.

This is why community matters.

When people come together, organisations, volunteers, and the helpers themselves, clarity replaces confusion, and empowerment replaces silence.

Today wasn’t just crowded.

It was meaningful.

It was necessary.

And it was a reminder that awareness is sometimes the first form of care!

Thank you, Ian Tse!