Exploring the Perceived Inclusion of Filipino Domestic Workers in Macao

Inclusiveness has become a critical topic nowadays, serving as a
benchmark of a nation and community’s level of civilization. As a core component
of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), inclusiveness
underscores its global significance in fostering equitable and justice societies.
The changing dynamics of Macao households, characterized by both
parents working or engaging in shift work, along with an increasingly aging
population, have led to a growing reliance on domestic workers. As a result, these
domestic workers often develop deep relationships with the children under their
care, becoming integral members of the households. According to statistics from
the Labour Affairs Bureau in Macao (2024), Filipino non-resident workers
comprise the second-largest ethnic group, totaling 30,267 individuals. Of this
group, 48% (14,604 individuals) are engaged in domestic work, highlighting their
substantial presence in the sector.
This study aims to investigate the experiences of the largest migrant
working group in the region—female Filipino domestic workers—focusing on
their experiences of inclusiveness within both the workplace and the Macao
community. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, the study conducts
interviews with 10 female Filipino domestic workers in Macao. These interviews
provide valuable insights into their lived experiences, illuminating their
perceptions of inclusion within their employed families and society. Additionally,
the research examines whether existing laws and regulations facilitate their
inclusion in Macao.
The results of this study revealed eight key themes and two new models of
Perceived Inclusiveness in Domestic Workplace and Community , contributing to
a deeper understanding of the inclusiveness experience of Filipino domestic
workers in Macao.