Empowering migrant domestic helpers through financial education

Abstract

The provision of financial education for migrant domestic helpers is an important service that could enhance their financial well‐being and the well‐being of their families. However, in that migrant domestic helpers are often excluded from protection in the host country, such services are few and empirical research in this area is rare. In this article, we report the findings of an evaluation study on a financial literacy education programme provided by a Hong Kong organisation serving Filipina and Indonesian migrant domestic workers. Using a quasi‐experimental design, we confirmed the effectiveness of the programme. Participants who attended the programme developed improved financial knowledge and behaviour. Their general self‐efficacy and financial self‐efficacy were also enhanced.Key Practitioner Message: • Migrant domestic helpers’ financial well‐being is enhanced through intensive financial education in financial knowledge and behaviour; • Migrant domestic helpers’ self‐efficacy is strengthened through peer discussion of financial education; • Effective services for migrant workers in the host country need to be in the migrants’ native language and be culturally sensitive.