DSAL stresses the law protects non-residents after work accidents

Reymond Tagacay

The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has reaffirmed that non-resident workers (TNR) who are victims of work accidents in Macau are fully protected by the local laws.

The bureau made this statement during a meeting on Friday with a Filipino migrant worker and his family, who are seeking compensation following a workplace accident that cost him one of his legs.

The DSAL noted that the meeting with the worker and family was part of the procedures following the accident, adding that the bureau has a procedure for monitoring the status of the compensation due to the worker by the insurance company.

The worker, Reymond Tagacay, told the Times last week that his process with the insurance company has been delayed due to a pending disability certificate from the Public Hospital.

Tagacay initially brought the case to public broadcaster TDM as a way of alerting the public of his situation, since the hospital told him that the disability certificate would take some 25 days to issue, while his visa will only last until August 10.

Tagacay states that he applied for the certificate on July 17, two days after being discharged from a long period of hospitalization caused by the accident that occurred on October 31 last year.

The DSAL noted that all TNR are protected under the Decree-Law Number 40/95/M (Employees’ Compensation Insurance Ordinance) updated by the Decree-Law Number 6/2015, which states, “The victim is entitled to receive compensation equal to two thirds of their base salary during the period of recovery from the accident as well as compensation due for the payment of health care expenses.”

The DSAL also noted that concurrently, “the worker is also entitled to other compensation for damages if he meets other conditions provided by law.”

The bureau clarified the fact that the worker terminated his working contract after the accident does not affect his right to receive compensation, noting that the bureau continues to work on ensuring that he receives lawful compensation.