Honouring Our Partnership: Akin

As we strive to improve access to justice for migrant domestic workers, collaboration with law firm partners is an essential enabler. 

Akin has greatly contributed to our mission. Recently, Akin successfully secured compensation for a Filipina worker, Anna*. Anna was required by her employer to perform strenuous chores despite requesting sick leave. Anna’s employment contract was terminated after sustaining work-related injuries. Negotiations between Akin and the employer resulted in compensation of  HKD 20,000 for Anna. Securing this compensation not only provides financial relief but also helps restore Anna’s dignity. 

June 2024 was the first time JWB explored collective action to tackle the pervasive issue of overcharging of migrant domestic workers by agencies and other institutions they interact with. A roundtable event brought law firms together to share experiences handling cases. Akin was generous in sharing its expertise and best practices to advocate for fair treatment and protection of MDWs as well as energetic in exploring alternative options to address this problem. 

Akin supports access to justice for migrant domestic workers through advice to migrant domestic workers directly, advice to JWB, supporting our education programs, assisting with funding and promoting JWB’s mission at every opportunity. 

Together, Akin and JWB are bringing justice home.  We are grateful for the privilege of working with Akin’s team.

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*not her real name

By PR Volunteer Ochenna Okeke