Abstract:Background: In June 2023, the Hong Kong Government implemented the “Special Scheme to Import Care Workers for Residential Care Homes” from mainland China to mitigate staff shortages in the LTC sector, potentially complicating the work environment. Aim: This study aimed to explore the firsthand experiences of both local and imported care workers within LTC facilities, with a specific focus on the well-being and retention of imported staff. Methods: Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, the study sampled 18 participants, comprising 11 imported and 7 local care workers through snowball and convenience sampling methods. Individual semi-structured interviews conducted between March and June 2025 captured their viewpoints on work-related experiences, recruitment procedures, and strategies for staff retention. Interview transcriptions were analyzed using Van Kaam’s (1966) controlled explication technique. Results: The research findings unveiled three predominant themes: 1. Work Relationship Tension: Equity and Competition LTC workers acknowledged the positive impact of the scheme on enhancing service quality but encountered tension due to economic disparities with imported care workers. Despite working extended hours, imported staff received lower wages, leading to perceptions of inequity and heightened job rivalry. 2. Identity Challenges: Discrimination and Cultural Conflict Imported care workers from diverse backgrounds encountered identity crises exacerbated by discriminatory behaviors from local staff, triggering inner conflicts to reconcile their original identities with workplace expectations. 3. Financial Strain: Dilemma with High Agency Fees Imported care workers contend with significant financial strain due to high agency fees linked to recruitment and contract renewals. This predicament not only leads to heightened stress but also forces them to struggle over the decision of whether to remain in the job. Conclusions: Addressing cultural, economic, and social disparities is crucial for fostering a harmonious and inclusive workplace, vital not only for the well-being of imported care workers but also for improving staff recruitment and retention in the LTC sector.
Keywords: Migration and Health, Imported care workers; retention; long term care
