Words apart: Unraveling the language barrier plight of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong: unravelling the language barrier plight of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong

Migrant domestic workers (MDWs) face numerous challenges that negatively affect their daily lives, with language barriers being one of the prominent issues. Guided by social integration theory, this study investigates the consequences of language barriers among Indonesian MDWs in Hong Kong. Thematic analysis of interviews with 35 MDWs reveals that limited proficiency in local languages contributes to workplace difficulties, restricted social networks, discrimination, reduced autonomy and advocacy, and emotional distress. These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored language training and policy reforms to mitigate these challenges in order to enhance MDWs’ social inclusion in Hong Kong society.