The Hong Kong government announced on Tuesday that it will provide compensation to the families of domestic workers affected by a recent tragic fire at a high-rise residential complex in Tai Po, which claimed the lives of 146 people.

In a press conference in Hong Kong, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Deo Cacdac, together with the Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun, outlined the assistance measures, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

“We are truly grateful to their selflessness and heroic acts during the fire, as many of them were taking care of the elderly, children, and babies at the time,” Sun said.

The financial support includes:

• For deceased domestic workers: A combination of statutory compensation and additional one-off assistance totaling approximately HK$800,000 (around P5,000,000). This includes statutory compensation of over HK$500,000, a one-off financial assistance of HK$200,000, and another HK$50,000 in support.

• For injured workers: One-off financial assistance ranging from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000, depending on the duration of their hospital stay.

• For survivors: HK$20,000 each, along with an Octopus card preloaded with HK$2,000 for immediate daily expenses.

The Hong Kong Labour Department confirmed that a total of 235 domestic workers were at the site of the fire. Among them, 10 died, three were injured, 192 were safe, and 30 remain unaccounted for.

Earlier, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong (HKPCG) confirmed that one Filipino worker died in the massive fire.

The compensation measures are part of the government’s broader efforts to provide immediate relief and support for those impacted by the tragedy.

Sun assured that the government is working closely with foreign consulates to facilitate the repatriation of remains and provide additional assistance to workers from overseas, including help with restoring lost personal documents.

Meanwhile, Cacdac said that together with Hong Kong authorities, they are intensifying mental health and counseling support for survivors and affected families.

The Migrant Workers chief highlighted the importance of providing psychological support to those affected by the tragedy, with particular attention to survivors and the families of the deceased, including the children of both the deceased and injured Filipino workers.

“Secretary Sun and I have discussed the matter on counseling with respect to those who may have suffered or are suffering from trauma as a result of the incident," he said.

"The President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] has also asked us to help the families back home. I also did mention to the good Secretary that we are providing school assistance, at least to the children of the one who is injured and the child of the deceased,” he added.