ANILA (AFP) - The Philippines on Friday welcomed a Hong Kong court decision that could allow foreign maids to settle permanently in the Chinese territory, saying it was a victory for equal rights.
'It is a step forward in recognising the rights of migrants,' Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is also the presidential adviser on overseas workers, said in a statement.
'Overseas Filipino workers have contributed to the economies of their host countries and the decision recognises their contributions.'
A Hong Kong court on Friday ruled a law banning foreign maids from settling permanently in the city was unconstitutional. There are more than 137,000 Filipino domestic helpers working in Hong Kong.
