60384 A loan shark operation targeting Filipino women was exposed last year.
60385 The operation made cash loans using passports as collateral, and a customer list of several thousand and numerous passports were seized.
60386 It is difficult for maids to obtain loans from legal financial institutions, as their social standing is considered precarious.
60387 So, in spite of the high interest rates, no other choice is available.
60388 This incident highlighted the vulnerable social position of Filipino women.
60389 "Hong Kong is close to the Philippines and salaries are high, so many people are eager to work here. Labor conditions, however, are not favorable."
60390 This is according to Remi Borongan, chairperson of the Asian Domestic Workers Union, which is fighting for improvements in the employment conditions of maids.
60391 The union's headquarters are in a one bedroom apartment in an old multi-purpose building in the Yaomade district of downtown Kowloon.
60392 It was established five years ago in May 1989.
60393 There are around 3,000 members.
60394 The Union runs its activities from monthly fees of ten Hong Kong dollars and entry fees of 30 Hong Kong dollars, money given from whatever is left over for living expenses after sending money back home.
60395 Borongan advises members while also working as a maid herself for her Hong Kong employers.
60396 At the headquarters, different kinds of complaints are stored on a computer list.
60397 The most common are examples of labor violations.