22nd December 2025 – (Hong Kong) Nearly a month after the five-alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po claimed the lives of 10 foreign domestic helpers, seven of the deceased were honoured at funeral rites held today at the Ammar Mosque and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wan Chai. Two other bodies have already been repatriated, while the remaining victim—whose remains were more severely damaged—will remain at a funeral home, where religious leaders offered prayers. All remains are to be returned to their home countries for burial in the coming days. More than 100 mourners attended, including employers who regarded the workers as family.
Employer Mrs Wu and her son, who had employed Siti for seven years, choked back tears as they recounted their bond, calling her “truly part of the family”. They recalled light-hearted moments—Siti’s endearing, imperfect Cantonese and her habit of gently asking after their meals—as well as years of shared routines: decorating the home, tending orchids and even helping with renovation tasks such as wall skimming and wallpapering. During the pandemic, Siti taught herself to cook via YouTube and won over even the fussiest guests—her Thai lettuce wraps were, they said, better than those in restaurants. The family had never contemplated ending her contract and hoped she would stay until choosing to retire back home. Siti had saved to build a house in Indonesia, but never had the chance to live in it. Following the tragedy, Mrs Wu promptly paid long-service benefits and additional support to assist Siti’s family with funeral costs and paperwork, and thanked social workers for their help. “We hope she is happy in heaven and free from worry,” Mrs Wu said.
Esther Tse of the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims said the group is coordinating follow-up arrangements for all 10 victims. As of today, at least two remains have been repatriated; seven had funeral prayers at the Wan Chai mosque before being returned to the funeral home, and one will remain there due to the condition of the remains, with prayers offered on site. The eight remains are expected to be flown home so that all can return to their homelands by Christmas Day (25 December). With families unable to travel to Hong Kong due to visa and administrative hurdles, the association is working closely with Indonesian partners to keep next of kin informed, including on repatriation logistics. Initial information indicates consular authorities will cover repatriation costs, and the Indonesian government will provide financial assistance to each family.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong estimates around 140 Indonesians were affected, with nine confirmed dead; all the injured have been discharged from hospital, and one previously unaccounted-for person is now believed safe. The consulate is applying to Hong Kong’s Immigration Department for repatriation permits and coordinating with relevant agencies to expedite procedures, with the Indonesian government covering costs and maintaining close contact with families.
The Philippine Consulate General confirmed that 43 Filipino domestic workers were in Wang Fuk Court during the fire, resulting in one death and one injury. The deceased, OFW Esteban, was repatriated to Jones, Isabela, on 20 December at the family’s request for arrival before Christmas. The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have provided PHP 50,000 (about HK$6,600) in assistance to affected nationals.
Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun earlier announced that the Hong Kong Government will grant ex gratia payments of HK$200,000 to the families of deceased workers and HK$50,000 for funeral expenses; injured workers will receive HK$50,000 or HK$100,000 depending on severity. In addition, 110 domestic workers employed at Wang Fuk Court are eligible for a HK$20,000 special subsidy and may remain in Hong Kong as visitors for three months to find new employers, with extensions available as needed.
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