Guangdong may become the first mainland province to provide domestic helpers to Hong Kong, the Information Times reported Thursday.

The Guangdong domestic helpers' association has won support from the China family service association and was negotiating with the Hong Kong SAR Government on the issue.

It had submitted relative documents to the Hong Kong SAR Government and was expecting a quick and positive reply, said a senior official with the association.

There are more than 200,000 domestic helpers in Hong Kong, most of whom are from the Philippines and Indonesia. However, the family service market in Hong Kong has not been open to the mainland.

There are 18,000 vacancies for domestic helpers in Hong Kong, according to a survey by the Guangdong domestic helpers' association.

Another survey of 800 Hong Kong people by the association shows that 85 percent of those interviewed supported hiring mainland domestic helpers.

The Hong Kong government stipulates that the minimum monthly salary for domestic helpers be HK$3,600 after tax (US$461). The ordinary salary of a domestic helper in Guangdong is 300-600 yuan (US$36.3-72.6) per month. Domestic helpers working for foreigners in Guangdong earn 2,000 yuan (US$ 241.91) per month at most.

If Hong Kong hires mainland domestic helpers, a total of HK$10.8 billion will flow to the mainland.

As Guangdong and Hong Kong share one language, one culture and social customs, it will not be difficult for mainland people to be domestic helpers.

If the proposal is approved, the Guangdong domestic helpers' association will provide a three-month training course for domestic helpers who plan to work in Hong Kong. This will include instruction on cooking, cleaning and the use and maintenance of electrical appliances.

(Shenzhen Daily August 8, 2003)