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Foreign Domestic Helpers (FDH) in Hong Kong

A Study of Premarital Pregnancies

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International Migration in Southeast Asia

Part of the book series: Asia in Transition ((AT,volume 2))

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Abstract

This paper deals with premarital pregnancy among (female) foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong, who originate mostly from the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. These FDHs move to Hong Kong unaccompanied on a two-year contract, ‘normally’ extendable. This study seeks to understand the influences associated with premarital pregnancy outside of their homes of origin and their consequences on their economic, social and health status. Selected on snow ball referrals, 236 female FDHs were interviewed, using both closed and open-ended questionnaires. Preliminary findings show that 91 % of the respondents reported having premarital sexual relationship and of these 32 % experienced pregnancies. About 62 % of these pregnancies were ‘unintended’, while 38 % were ‘desired’ pregnancies. This study is of immense significance as premarital pregnancy determines and influences the overall life trajectory of these women and has policy implications for both the governments of origin and destination.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    An abortion is termed “induced” to differentiate it from a spontaneous abortion in which the products of conception are lost naturally also called a miscarriage.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, Brunei

    A. K. M. Ahsan Ullah

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  1. A. K. M. Ahsan Ullah
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Correspondence to A. K. M. Ahsan Ullah .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Asian Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Gadong,, Brunei Darussalam

    Kwen Fee Lian

  2. Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

    Md Mizanur Rahman

  3. Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Continuing Education Centre, Bandar Seri Begawan, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam

    Yabit bin Alas

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Ahsan Ullah, A.K.M. (2016). Foreign Domestic Helpers (FDH) in Hong Kong. In: Lian, K., Rahman, M., Alas, Y. (eds) International Migration in Southeast Asia. Asia in Transition, vol 2. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-712-3_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-712-3_9

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  • Print ISBN: 978-981-287-711-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-287-712-3

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