With more cases of migrant workers getting involved in illegal money lending activities in the country, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong reminded OFWs to think twice about pawning their documents as the consequences could leave them in a tight spot, plus they cannot not expect assistance from the mission with regard to this.
And while workers have already been reminded of their responsibilities, as well as the consequences they would get for their actions, the government is also expected to make a move against establishments in the city-state that have a hand in this ongoing practice.
Agency Withholding Workers’ Passports Shut Down by Gov’t
With regard to this, the Labour Department has revoked the license of an employment agency it found to have been “getting involved in the financial affairs of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs)” and withholding their passports, as shared in a report by the Sun HK.
In a statement, the Labour Department identified the agency as Perfect World Employment Services Co., located in Tai Po.
As per investigation of the department, the company was found to have failed meeting the requirements set out in the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies.
For this year, Perfect World is the second employment agency to have had its license revoked for conducting anomalous business and failure to comply with standards of practice set by the government.
On May 28, the Labour Department announced that it has revoked the license of Fardiansyah International Limited, located in Yau Ma Tei, for failure “to meet the standards set out in the Code in various aspects.”
A spokesperson from the Labour Department reminded operators of employment agencies (EAs) to conduct their business in compliance with the law and the requirements of the Code at all times.
Under the Employment Ordinance (EO), the Commissioner for Labour may revoke the licence of an agency if he is convinced that the licensee concerned has not complied with the Code.
The Code sets out the salient key requirements that EA operators must observe in operating their business, as well as the minimum standards which the Commissioner expects from EAs.
Last year, there were eight cases of revocation or refusal of renewal of EA licences for noncompliance and malpractice.
If you have any inquiries or concerns related to EAs or wish to report about any malpractices involved, you may contact the Employment Agencies Administration of the Labour Department at 2115 3667, or visit their office at Unit 906, 9/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon.