Consulate tells OFWs, be careful when you blog

 

OFW participants were told they could be breaching their visa conditions if they blog

Taking up jobs that are not within the scope of the standard employment contracts of foreign domestic helpers, including blogging or endorsing products and services online, are considered illegal, even if unpaid.

This was the consensus of several officers of the Philippine Consulate General and its attached agencies when asked at Sunday’s community leaders’ forum if blogging or vlogging, are among the prohibited acts under FDH contracts.

DETAILS HERE

Alann C. Mas, founder of Kabayani Hong Kong, asked if the Consulate could provide guidelines on when blogging on social media turns from being a leisure activity to illegal work.

He further asked if the Philippines has IT (information technology) or ecommerce laws that can help define when a social media engagement can be considered work.

Elnar tells OFWs, "ibayong ingat po'' with their online activities

Trade Attache Eric Elnar said the law on ecommerce still needs to be polished, but to be safe, he said overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong should not use social media to engage in any employment or sales activity.

“Ibayong ingat po, huwag nang mag sideline, especially live selling, lalo na sa Facebook,” he said. (Be very careful, do not do any sideline, especially live selling on Facebook).

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Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr. explained, “Sa Pilipinas walang problema yan” (There’s no problem with doing it in the Philippines). “But we are governed by Hong Kong laws, including the conditions of stay in the employment contracts.”

He said all OFWs in Hong Kong must follow these laws “para maiwasan ang problema.” (so problems are avoided).

Basahin ang detalye!

Chavez then reminded the audience that there is no distinction under Hong Kong laws between paid and unpaid work in these cases. Thus, a FDH who is caught taking up work other than what is stated in the employment contract cannot argue that no payment is attached to the job.

He also said that while blogging in itself may not be considered illegal work, authorities may take a second look if the online activity interferes with the work supposed to be done by a domestic worker.

Deputy Consul General Von Ryan Ferrera echoed the sentiment, and said all OFWs must be doubly cautious now, as the Immigration Department has been cracking down hard on illegal work.

DCG Ferrera says do not do work that is not in the employment contract

“Kung hindi nakasaad sa inyong kontrata, huwag na ninyong gawin.” (If it’s not stipulated in your contract, don’t do it).

To further emphasize the point, a Filcom leader asked what might happen to Filipina domestic workers who were recently caught doing massage therapy work in a private spa. She said both their contracts had expired, but Immigration has been taking its time processing their application for renewal.

She was told that this could already be an indication that the two would no longer be allowed to work in Hong Kong. They may not be charged with violating their conditions of stay, but they will also not be allowed to process a new employment contract again.

Labatt Chavez said this has happened in a number of cases where the accused OFWs were acquitted of the charge of illegal work, with the help of lawyers hired by MWO. Despite getting their names cleared, they were not allowed to process new employment contracts.

Despite this, he said MWO will try to appeal to Immigration on behalf of OFWs who want to continue working in Hong Kong after being apprehended, or cleared, of illegal work.

Under Hong Kong’s Immigration laws, a helper should only perform domestic duties for the employer specified in the contract. The helper should not take up any other employment, including part-time domestic duties, with another person.

FDHs who breach their condition of stay face a maximum jail term of two years and fine of up to HK$50,000.

Employers of illegal worker face a more severe penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine of no more than HK$500,000.

Aiders and abettors will also be liable to prosecution.

 

MWO AKSYON Fund releases in HK hit $4.3million

 by Leo A. Deocadiz 

Labatt Chavez delivering his accomplishment report at the forum

The Migrant Workers Office has released $4.3 million of AKSYON Fund to 661 beneficiaries in Hong Kong in the last nine months, most of them receiving money within an hour of applying, Labor Attache Cesar Chavez Jr. told a community leaders’ forum today.

 “When you ask for help and your supporting documents are complete, the money will be released immediately. You can wait for it. No need to return another day,” he said. “Processing will just take minutes; an hour will be too long,” he said.

MWO continues to process AKSYON Fund (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan), which is designed to provide immediate legal, medical, and emergency financial assistance to distressed or displaced OFWs.

DETAILS HERE

Standard payouts include:

• ₱50,000 for regular distressed employment situations.
• ₱75,000 for workers who become seriously ill or are in warlike zones.
• ₱100,000 in bereavement assistance for the next of kin of deceased workers.
• $200 USD (about ₱12,000) for immediate employment shocks, such as those affected by Middle East tensions.  

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Part of such assistance is MWO giving lawyers for OFWs facing court charges. At present, 17 cases are pending, one has been dismissed, and four are on trial.

“We are giving lawyers for cases that are in already in court. Those waiting for hearing, we give them retained lawyers or duty lawyers (who are funded by the Hong Kong government),” Chavez said.

This way, he said, they avoid giving lawyers to OFWs who would be pleading guilty anyway; they cost $100,000.

Basahin ang detalye!

“We are giving lawyers only to those who want to fight for their rights,” he added.

Chaves also said the MWO has verified 75,552 individual employment contracts during the first nine months of 2026.

A vast majority of these contracts -- 75, 214 -- were for domestic workers. Only 124 contracts were for professional and skilled workers and 214 were for semi-skilled workers.

The MWO is thus adjusting the requirements for employment agencies when it resumes accreditation on Oct. 23, four months after suspending it last June 22.

“We had 814 foreign recruitment agencies in Hong Kong when we issued the moratorium,” he said. “We are planning to resume this coming Oct. 23 but only for applicants who will be hiring skilled workers also. Hindi na pwedeng katulong lang (Hiring only domestic workers will no longer suffice). They should strive to recruit skilled workers.”

Among the accredited agencies, he said, seven have been suspended.

He pointed to one agency whose accreditation has been suspended for refusing to process the subsistence allowance sought by an OFW facing a case in court.

Under Philippine law, OFWs whose mandatory insurance is in force are entitled to US$100 per month for six months while they have a pending case.

Now, he said, the agency owner is trying to seek a meeting with him. “Why talk to me? They should first do their obligation and then we’ll talk,” he said.

Statistics provided by Chavez shows how the Aksyon Fund is disbursed

Chavez also listed other improvements at the MWO, among them:

• Special licensing examinations are being planned for more under-board graduates such as nurses, architects and engineers to enhance their status so they will have better jobs and bigger incomes. Almost 300 passed the last licensure exam for teachers. In the test held recently, “we had 314 who took the exam. We hope for a lot of passers,” he said.
• The online system for Balik Manggagawa makes it easier for OFWs to verify their contracts and avoid problems with Philippine Immigration, which has tightened the screening of people leaving the country because of increasing cases of surrogacy, illegal recruitment and trafficking.
• A new queueing system that will prevent OFWs having to fall in long lines. “Now you only need to get a number, and then you can do your other errands outside the office and return only when your number will soon be called,” he said.
• An investigation is ongoing on a report that several OFWs who entered Hong Kong as domestic workers have been seen working in Wanchai as waitresses. “Be assured that employment agencies that do not folow our regulations will be penalized,” he said.
• MWO renovation will begin shortly at no expense to the government as it will be paid for by  landlord.

New $5220 minimum wage for FDHs generally welcomed

 

Most FDWs are grateful enough that there's a salary increase

Foreign domestic helpers have largely welcomed the new minimum wage of HK$5220 mandated for them by the Hong Kong government with many saying it was “better than nothing.”

Others were thankful, to both the Hong Kong government for keeping up the practice of giving modest increase in their wages; and to fellow migrants who took to the streets to call for higher wages.

Migrants rights advocate Eman Villanueva of Bayan Muna Hong Kong and Macau claimed victory over the decision not to freeze wages, as was the call of a group of employers who warned that there would be “mass terminations” if an increase was ordered.

DETAILS HERE

“Salamat sa mga organisasyon at unyon na nakipaglaban para tumaas ang sahod at hindi matuloy ang wage freeze,” he said in a post.(Thank you to all organizations and unions that fought for a salary increase and against a wage freeze).

But in a press statement issued Saturday, the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body which fought for a “living wage” of HK$6,172, expressed dismay that the new minimum wage is just HK$120 more than last year’s.

AMCB says the fight for 'living wage' will continue

AMCB also decried that no increase in the food allowance -or what is given a migrant worker in lieu of free meals – was mandated.

“Clearly, the Hong Kong government has no intention of meeting our demand for a living wage. While the no increase in food allowance will mean more expenses and loss in the wage of FDWs who are not provided food at their employer’s house,” said AMCB.

Basahin ang detalye!

It called on fellow migrant workers to continue the fight for a living wage, and for the longstanding demands of regulation of work hours, suitable accommodation, unconditional long service benefit, and food allowance commensurate to the inflation rate.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Chris Sun said in an interview that the 2.35 % increase in the minimum wage for FDHs was reasonable, and was based on a comprehensive review of annual economic performance, employers’ income and inflation.

He said that if the economy does well and the overall data are positive, the growth rate typically fluctuates within a range of 2 and 2.5%; thus a salary increase within this range is fair.

Labour to hold briefing for FDHs

Scan QR code to enroll in briefing

The Labour Department (LD) will conduct an online briefing on October 11, 2026 (Sunday) via Zoom for foreign domestic helpers, to explain their employment rights and how to keep clear of threats to their safety.

LD has invited representatives from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Immigration Department to give our participants a talk on anti-money laundering and fraudsters’ practices, points-to-note for FDHs working in Hong Kong, as well as individual and community safety awareness.

DETAILS HERE

It will be held from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm and conducted in English.

The October 11 briefing will be open to all FDHs who enrol by noon of October 9 (Friday) through the following ways:

• Online enrolment: Use the QR code above, or

Basahin ang detalye!

• Enroll by email or fax. Send the duly completed enrolment form (available at https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/res/pdf/Individual_Enrolment_Form.pdf) to the Foreign Domestic Helpers Division of LD (Email address: fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk; Fax no.: 3101 0604).

The event is free of charge. Enrolment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrolment results will be issued by email. For enquiries, please call 3582 8995.

FDH minimum pay raised to HK$5,220 a month

 

Consultation meeting at HK Labour Dept on new minimum wage (File)

From tomorrow, October 3, the minimum salary to be paid to foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong will be raised to HK$5,220 from the previous HK$5,100.

Under the Standard Employment Contract, employers are obliged to give free food to their domestic workers. If they decide to opt out of this arrangement, they should pay a food allowance in lieu.

The optional food allowance will remain frozen for the second consecutive year at HK$1,236.

DETAILS HERE

The new wage level will likely come as a disappointment to migrant workers’ support groups, as they had clamoured for a minimum salary of more than HK$6,000 a month, citing the high cost of inflation.

Employers, on the other hand, had pushed for a wage freeze, also citing the considerable increase in prices of food and basic commodities, and the sluggish economy. They warned of mass termination should the government continued raising FDH salaries.

A statement issued by the government said the new wage level is commensurate with Hong Kong’s economic and labour conditions over the past year, near-term outlook, affordability of FDH employers and basic living needs of FDHs.

Basahin ang detalye!

During the review process, the Government said it consulted both employers and FDHs to understand their concerns and suggestions, and came to the view that this year’s socio-economic indicators are more favorable than those of last year.

FDH contracts signed today, Oct 2, or before, at the existing minimum wage of HK$5,100 will still be processed by Immigration Department, provided the applications reached them on or before October 30, Friday.

The new wage level will likely come as a disappointed to both migrant organizations and employers’ support groups.

Migrant workers have been clamouring for a minimum salary of more than HK$6,000 a month, citing the high cost of inflation, while the employers’ groups had called for a freeze, using the same reason and warned of mass terminations if salaries were raised yet again.

3 Filipinos held for alleged trafficking of 35 kg of marijuana

 

Some of the marijuana buds allegedly found in luggage of the 3 Filipinos

Three Filipinos – one male and two females – have been detained after a total of about 35 kilos of suspected marijuana buds were found inside their check-in suitcase on their arrival in Hong Kong on September 29..

The 32-year-old male and the two females, aged 24 and 31, had flown in from Bangkok, Thailand, where huge amounts of cannabis or marijuana buds have been brought in lately by incoming passengers on a regular basis.

DETAILS HERE

Yesterday, two Mainland tourists – a man aged 40 and a woman aged 47 - were also detained after flying in from Bangkok through Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam with suspected marijuana in their suitcases, weighing 5 and 6 kilos respectively.

The total haul of 46 kilos or marijuana seized from the five passengers were said to have a total estimated value of HK$9.2 million.

The marijuana buds seized in second case

In addition to the marijuana haul allegedly found in their suitcases, the two Filipinas were also found to have brought with them a batch of products containing suspected Part 1 poisons (examples are prescription drugs like morphine, antibiotics and erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, and nicotine products).

A statement released by Customs authorities said investigations into the three separate cases are continuing.

The statement also warned the public to stay alert and not take part in drug trafficking activities for monetary gain. They must not agree to carry prohibited substances, or any unknown items, for other people.

Basahin ang detalye!

In the meantime, airport authorities will continue to carry out random checks on incoming passengers at Hong Kong airport as part of efforts to crack down on drug trafficking.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking carries with it a maximum penalty upon conviction of a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Possessing Part 1 Poison can result to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for two years. 

Any suspected drug trafficking activities may be reported to Customs' 24-hour hotline, 182 8080, or to  its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).    

 

 

Hygiene officials arrest 10 people, seize foods and goods at FDH haunts

 

Among those seized were items stored under a footbridge

A total of 10 people have been arrested over the past three weeks at various places frequented by foreign domestic helpers for suspected unlicensed hawking and causing obstruction in public places.

Seized during the operations were about two tons of goods, including cooked food, clothing items, bags and cosmetics. The items were either seized from illegal vendors or were left behind in public places by unknown people.

The crackdown on the illegal activities were carried out by officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department following an education and information campaign carried out in cooperation with consulates of FDH-sending countries.

Basahin ang detalye!

As part of the effort, Philippine labor attache Cesar Chavez. Jr. appeared in a video reminding Filipino domestic workers not to violate their conditions of stay by engaging in illegal work such as providing manicure, pedicure and eyebrow trimming services, or hawking.

Since the end of the publicity campaign, the FEHD is said to have stepped up patrols and cleaning operations, issued more than 30 notices regarding unattended items, and removed more than 80 kilos of items stored on government land or obstructing passageways.

Setting up tents that obstruct public passageways is also prohibited

Those found to have set up tents in public places to store personal items were issued with notices and their cases referred to relevant departments for follow-up.

The FEHD stressed that FDHs engaging in illegal hawking are in breach of their conditions of stay and may be arrested and prosecuted.

Illegal work is punishable with a maximum penalty of two years in prison and HK$10,000 fine.

Goods seized from illegal hawkers

Employers are urged to remind their helpers to comply with the law and help maintain environmental hygiene by not hawking and blocking or storing personal items on government land.

Any suspected unlicensed hawking or other irregularities may be reported directly to the FEHD.

 

Overstaying tourist gets 14 months' jail for money laundering

 

 A Filipina tourist who overstayed for three years has been jailed for 14 months áfter pleading guilty to money laundering Tuesday at Eastern Court.  She admitted to allowing more than HK$1 million in criminal proceeds to enter and leave her bank account.

But an overstaying charge against Ann Mongcal, 42 years old and unemployed, remains pending with Chief Magistrate So Wai-tak adjourning the case to November 24.

Basahin ang detalye!

Mongcal’s first charge is dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offence, contrary to sections 2541) and 25(3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes. Ordinance.

She was charged with handling a total of $1,009,470 Hong Kong currency in her bank account with the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited between March 8 and April 7, 2021, “knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that (the) property, … in whole or in part directly or indirectly represented any person's proceeds of an indictable offence.…”

Mongcal’s second charge is breach of condition of stay –overstay, contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance.

She was charged with overstaying after her visitor’s visa expired on June 24, 2023, having been permitted by an Immigratio oficer to remain in Hong Kong for two weeks after he arrived, but stayed until her arrest last April 12.

Pinay fails in attempt to get further discount on sentence

 

Shatin Court

A Filipino HK resident was jailed for 15 months today after a postponement of her sentencing at the Shatin Court to give her a chance to help in prosecuting people who helped her commit two counts of conspiracy to defraud.

Jessebri Questo, 48 years old, had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of violating Common Law, punishable under Section 1590(6) of the Crimes Ordinance, and promised to help prosecute those who helped her file fake documents resulting in visas being granted by Immigration officers to two persons.

But Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong said information provided by Questo, also known as Jessebel Questo Clarke, did not help the prosecution so no additional discounts were made in her sentence.

DETAILS 

The sentence consisted of seven months imprisonment for the first charge and 12 months for the second charge, with the two sentenced running at the same time except for three months from the first sentence to be added to the second.

In the first charge, Questo conspired together with Maria Chona Cagol and a person known as Homer Leonardo Herrera,  to defraud the director of Immigration of the government of the Hong Kong by dishonestly and falsely representing that she was hiring Cagol as a domestic helper.

The offense, committed between 2021 and May 28, 2022, induced the Immigration director and his officers to act contrary to their public duty, granting Cagol permission to remain in Hong Kong, in circumstances which they would not otherwise have granted, according to a complaint by Immigration.

Basahin ang detalye!

In the second charge, Questo entered into a marriage with Shafoat Zaman, and by dishonestly and falsely representing to Immigration that the entries and remaining of Zaman in Hong Kong were for the purpose of visiting and reuniting with her.

The offense, which took place between an unknown day in 2022 and September 19, 2023 was committed in conspiracy with Zaman and Herrera to defraud the Immigration director and his officers.

Meanwhile, a domestic helper,  Loyda Consejo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud but her sentence was put off to November11 to allow her to help prosecute individuals who helped her commit the offense.

She was out on bail of $1,000.

Consejo, 35 years old, admitted defrauding the Director of Immigration and his officers by dishonestly and falsely representing that her remaining in Hong Kong was to take up employment with Hong Ming Tak.

The offense took place between an unknown day in 2024 and September 17, 2024.

Filipino caregivers can be trained in HK, says Labatt Chavez

 

Labatt Chavez addressing OFWs who took part in OWWA Cup

Filipino migrant workers who are already in Hong Kong and want to train as live-in caregivers for the elderly may obtain the required training without having to go back home to the Philippines.

This was according to Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr., who spoke on the side lines of the awarding ceremonies for the first OWWA Cup in Hong Kong, held at the OFW Global Center in Admiralty on Sunday, Sept. 27.

Basahin ang detalye!

Labatt Chavez said this has been made clear by the Philippine side during several talks held with Hong Kong officials on the new live-in caregiver scheme that will be rolled out at the start of next year.

He said they specifically made this request when the technical working committee made up by officials from both sides held a meeting on June 8, which focused on a possible collaboration on upskilling, re-skilling and certification of OFWs in Hong Kong.

Philippine and HK officials meet on upskilling program for OFWs

During the meeting, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief PY Caunan told Hong Kong government representatives of the Philippine government’s plan of providing training on site for Filipino domestic workers.

Officials of TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) who also took part in the talks briefed the Hong Kong delegation on its training programs and accreditation schemes which OWWA plans to implement in Hong Kong and other overseas posts.

Chavez said that while Filipino domestic workers may be allowed to train for caregiver jobs while in Hong Kong, they will still have to finish their contracts before moving on to the more specialized post that pays more.

Secretary Sun says foreign caregivers will be allowed in from next year

In an interview with reporters last week, Hong Kong Labour Minister Chris Sun said that live-in caregivers who will be hired from overseas will be paid a salary that is higher by 10 to 20% than the minimum wage given to foreign domestic helpers.

But he said they will be required to have at least three years of experience looking after an elderly, and must complete relevant training in their home country before flying in to assume their post.

The part to bring in foreign caregivers is part of the government's renewed effort to keep up with Hong Kong's rapidly ageing population. It is projected that in 20 years' time, about a third of the city's population will be aged 60 and above.

 

 

 

 

HK man jailed for 26 years in Phl on drug charges returns home

 

Tang (in red shirt) is met on his arrival in Hong Kong by his elder brother

A Hong Kong man who spent 26 years in jail in the Philippines after being found guilty of possessing nearly 8 kilos of the drug, “ice”, returned to Hong Kong early on Tuesday, accompanied by Immigration Department officers.

Tang Lung-wai, who is now 55, was met by his elder brother on his arrival from Manila. He was originally sentenced to life imprisonment in the Philippines.

In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, Tang reportedly said when asked how he felt about being back home, "After spending 26 years in hell, I am unflappable."

Basahin ang detalye!

His family had sought help from Hong Kong authorities last month after being told that Tang’s sentence was considered to have been served after taking into consideration a good conduct time allowance. However, he could not be released immediately because of lengthy administrative procedures.

In a press release, the Immigration Department said that on learning that Tang had already completed his sentence, they immediately worked with the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines so he could be issued with the document needed for his release and repatriation.

Immigration officers were also sent to the Philippines to work on the repatriation arrangements and escort Tang back to the Hong Kong. 

Immigration officers accompanied Tang on his flight out of Manila

Philippine court records show that Tang was arrested by Philippine police officers on July 18, 2000, along with fellow Chinese nationals Cheung Tai On and Sek Hung Goh Patrick, during a raid on a condominium unit in Quezon City.

Found inside the unit was methamphetamine hydrochloride (ice or shabu in the Philippines) weighing a total of 7,918.90 grams.

Tang, Cheung ang Goh were subsequently charged with illegal drug possession in violation of Sec. 16, Article III of Republic Act No 6425 (as amended) and were put on trial after they denied the charge.

On Oct. 26, 2011 the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City found Tang and Cheung guilty as charged and sentenced to life imprisonment and to pay a fine of Php500,000. Goh was acquitted for insufficiency of evidence.

The two appealed the decision, but the same was denied by the Court of Appeals on July 14, 2017. Tang’s appeal was dismissed for lack of merit, while Cheung’s was discharged on account of his death.

Tang then went on to lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court, citing alleged errors of facts and of law committed by the RTC and the CA. He claimed he had been framed, and was taken to the condominium unit after being arrested elsewhere.

Immigration officers set up a chat with Tang's family before his return 

But in a judgment handed down on Nov 17, 2019, the Supreme Court upheld the earlier decisions, saying that the considerable quantity of the drugs seized rendered Tang’s claim that they had been planted to frame him “difficult to believe.”

In the absence of strong and convincing evidence to the contrary, “the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duty and the principle that the findings of the trial court on the credibility of witnesses are entitled to great respect (and) should prevail over bare denials and self-serving claims,” said the SC.

The SC ordered the appellant to pay costs as a result of the dismissal.

(The full decision by the Philippine Supreme Court on the appeal can be found here:  https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/1/66124)