Symbiosis of Rich Chinese Citizens and Filipino Caregivers

Filipinos need jobs and salaries. Rich Chinese people need nannies who teach English to their children.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Simbiosis Warga Kaya China dan Pengasuh Filipina

AFP/PEDRO PARDO

Children ride electric bicycles in Beijing, China, March 20, 2024.

Relations between China and the Philippines are tense in the South China Sea. However, relations between the citizens of the two countries remain close. The proof is, nanny from the Philippines remains the dream of rich Chinese citizens.

The latest tension occurred on Saturday (23/3/2024). Chinese coast guard ship sprays water on Philippine ship. "This action destabilizes the region and clearly shows non-compliance with international law," said Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo Ano.

Also read: China-Philippines Agree to Dialogue

In a statement on Sunday, the Philippines reported that three of its soldiers were injured due to the spraying. The Unaizah May 4 vessel, which was sprayed by China, was also damaged.

Meanwhile, Beijing accuses Manila of deliberately provoking and inflaming the situation. Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea. Some of these claims are rejected by several countries.

ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES VIA AP

A screenshot from a video broadcast by the Armed Forces of the Philippines shows a Filipino ship being sprayed by a Chinese ship on Saturday (23/3/2024).

Similar incidents have occurred repeatedly around Karang Ayungin. China insists that its claim is in accordance with international law. However, the Arbitration Court ruled in 2016 that China's claim was not in line with international law.

Mutualistic symbiosis

Amidst the tension, the relationship between some Filipino and Chinese citizens remains good. Wealthy Chinese and caregivers from the Philippines have developed mutualistic symbiosis. Filipinos need jobs and salaries, while wealthy Chinese need caregivers who can teach English to their children from an early age.

Also read: The Future of Migrant Workers in ASEAN

Chinese media CCTV reported that many Filipino caregivers are coming to major cities in China. Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are the main targets for Filipino caregivers.

In Shenzhen, there are two types of employers for caregivers from the Philippines: expatriates and wealthy locals. Shenzhen expatriates usually come from Hong Kong and are accustomed to Filipino caregivers.

AFP

Residents of Shanghai, China, await the opening of the new Apple store on March 21, 2024.

Some caregivers have joined expatriates since they were still working in Hong Kong. Caregivers move when expatriates move from Hong Kong to Shenzhen.

Meanwhile, wealthy local residents employ nannies from the Philippines as part of their social status symbol. It takes the equivalent of IDR 168 million to bring in a Filipino domestic worker, including fees for the agency, airfare, and visa registration.

Also read: Millions of Chinese Migrant Workers Return Home

In addition, employers must pay an average of Rp 12.5 million for monthly wages. If the domestic worker can speak Mandarin and English, their wages increase to Rp 15.7 million per month. In fact, some domestic workers from the Philippines are paid almost Rp 17 million per month.

Illegal work

According to China.org.cn, the problem is that some Filipino domestic workers are working illegally. Chinese law does not allow foreign workers to enter the informal sector. Domestic work is one of the informal jobs in China.

AP/ANDY WONG

A young family walks at a shopping mall in Beijing, China, November 2023.

Han Xiao, a lawyer at Jingrung and Partners law firm in Beijing, said that contracts between employers and foreign domestic workers in China are basically illegal. This means that the legal rights of both parties are not protected.

Nevertheless, there are relatively no sanctions. The evidence is that domestic workers from the Philippines are free to work in Beijing. They can be found in various markets while shopping for their employers' needs.

Also read: People Need to Understand How to Become a Legal Migrant Worker

Some work in China with a business visa that is valid for six months. Therefore, there are two visa extensions each year. Filipino domestic workers are usually registered as teachers or foreign language translators.

Even without a visa, workers from the Philippines are still in demand. Apart from being able to speak English, they can be paid less than workers with a visa.

AP/ANDY WONG

Residents in one corner of Beijing, China, March 2023.

A domestic worker cannot leave China without an official visa. They also cannot admit to being a domestic worker when questioned by immigration officials. "If caught, they will be deported to the Philippines and their employer fined 20,000 RMB (equivalent to Rp 42 million)," said an agent from a recruitment agency.

It is estimated that there are 200,000 Filipino domestic workers and caregivers working illegally in China. In addition, there are also nearly 200,000 people working in Hong Kong. Some of them come because they receive offers from social media.

Beijing and Manila have been in talks since 2018 about the protection of illegal Filipino workers. China plans to recruit up to 300,000 workers from the Philippines. Until now, these negotiations have not been concluded. (AFP/REUTERS)