Our Desk | The most helpless of them all

Lynzy Valles

The words “lay off” and “unpaid leave” have been used a huge amount these days, reflecting their occurrence worldwide amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
In Macau alone, there are several hundred local and non-resident workers who are facing this situation, given that their employers – particularly those in the hotel and catering industries – have been financially affected by the virus.
Recently, the Philippine Consulate General in the SAR announced relief measures for displaced Filipino workers or workers currently on unpaid leave.
Aside from this offer, workers who are unable to return to their home country due to lockdowns are also entitled to receive financial assistance.
On the weekend, many of them flocked to the consulate in the SAR to sign up for their share.
Of course, financial assistance can only help them for a short period of time with rental concerns and daily needs.
Thinking about this situation just emphasizes how vulnerable migrant groups are in the SAR. There are no supports for them from the local government – not that they are required to provide any – be it in health services or welfare benefits, even if only during this crisis.
This is unlike Portugal, where the government has granted foreigners access to the “national health service, welfare benefits, bank accounts, and work and rental contracts” in lieu of the pandemic.
Vulnerable groups could have gone back home before the lockdown began, but it was unexpected that the second wave of the pandemic would be so serious.
Thus, at this point in time these workers are facing the harsh reality of their decision to stay. They are left with no options as they cannot leave the SAR due to travel restrictions, as well as the lack of direct flights from Macau to Manila, which have long been cancelled.
Luckily, there are a few groups in the community organizing food and grocery distribution programs.
While scrolling on social media the other day, I came across a post in a group.
A Filipino bought groceries, including wine, large trays of eggs, packs of instant noodles, fruit and other basic necessities with her cash handout, telling those on unpaid leave to visit a certain location to pick up the items.
In the photo, there were dozens lined up, waiting for their own kind of “subsidy.”
One of the recipients of the grocery package said, “I’m 31 weeks pregnant, and I’m currently lining up,” while another said, “I’ve been terminated [and I] need your help.”
The short sentences sounded so loud that it made me really think about how the community of stranded migrant workers and unpaid workers are experiencing this situation.
Stuck at home, they have no other choice but to acquire basic goods from those who are willing to help them, be it relatives or migrant associations.
Stuck at home, it is almost impossible for them to find new jobs as businesses themselves call for further support from the government, particularly with the announcement of the MOP10 billion relief fund.
Stuck at home, they cannot attend training provided by labor authorities, as they do not meet the number 1 requirement – being a BIR holder.
I think this is the group of people that remain the most vulnerable, especially at this time, when helpless is the word that describes them best.