Filipino maid challenges HK rule denying residency

HONG KONG — A Filipino woman is challenging a legal provision denying permanent residency to the hundreds of thousands of foreign maids in Hong Kong.

It’s a landmark court case that sees them fighting for equal treatment with the city’s other foreign residents.

A judicial review that began on Monday was launched by Evangeline Banao Vallejos, a longtime foreign domestic helper.

Lawyers for Vallejos argued that the provision denying helpers the right to apply for permanent residency after seven years in Hong Kong contravenes the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution.

Other foreigners in Hong Kong can apply for permanent residency after seven years.

Vallejos’ case is the first of five launched by current and former helpers who are challenging the rule.