Hong Kong has scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle.

But authorities ordered all foreign helpers to undergo another round of mandatory testing, triggering renewed criticism from the Philippines, according to AFP.

“The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts,” city leader Carrie Lam said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia.