Latest anti-illegal work operation nets 20 people

 

Immigration officers display the items they seized from suspected illegal workers

A week-long operation across Hong Kong to flush out illegal workers resulted in the arrest of 20 people.

The raids that involved operatives from the Immigration Department, the HK Police, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department targeted multiple locations like restaurants, hair salons and retail stores and lasted from September 4 1to 10.

Seventeen suspected illegal workers, one suspected employer and two overstayers were arrested.

The suspected illegal workers comprised 10 men and seven women, aged 24 to 50.

Four of the men held recognizance forms that allowed them to remain in Hong Kong to challenge deportation, but not work.

Two of women were found in possession of forged Hong Kong identity cards, which they are suspected to have used to get jobs.

The two overstayers were both women aged 38 and 50.

A man, aged 51, was suspected of employing the illegal workers and was also arrested. Immigration said an investigation into his operation is ongoing, and further arrests are possible.

Visitors, contract workers and foreign domestic helpers who are caught engaged in illegal work face up to two years in jail and a maximum fine of HK$50,000.

The jail term goes up to three years if the illegal worker is an overstayer, asylum seeker or illegal immigrant.

Anyone found in possession of fake HK identity cards could be imprisoned for up to 10 years and fined a maximum amount of HK$100,000.

Employers of illegal workers face the most severe penalty of up to HK$500,000 in fines and imprisonment for 10 years.

 

 

 

Filipinos overseas urged to register for 2028 presidential election

 

There is just over a year before the registration to vote for the 2028 presidential election in the Philippines ends.

This was the reminder posted by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong yesterday, to remind all Filipinos living abroad, no matter their visa status, that the registration for what could be a watershed election in the country will end on Sept 30, 2027.

DETAILS HERE

Registered overseas voters will be able to cast their ballot for President, Vice President, Senators and a Party-List in the month-long exercise until May 8, 2028.

Those qualified to register are Filipinos who are at least 18 years old on or before the date of the election, and are not otherwise disqualified by law.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Newly arrived Filipinos, those who have never registered to vote before in Philippine national elections, or failed to vote in two consecutive elections, must register to vote in the 2028 election.

Those who wish to register should bring along their valid Philippine passports and visit the Overseas Voter Registration counters located on the 18^th floor and 29^th floor of United Centre building in Admiralty.

Basahin ang detalye!

Right now, newly arrived Filipino migrant workers are urged to register as voters when they attend the mandatory post-arrival orientation seminar at the OFW Global Centre in United Centre.

CFO, Customs link up to ease concerns over balikbayan boxes

 

Ang and Nepomuceno shake hands over the deal

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have signed an agreement to help provide Filipinos abroad with information and assistance on problems relating to balikbayan boxes, humanitarian donations and other shipment concerns.

CFO chairperson Dante Ang II and BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno signed the document formalizing the agreement yesterday.

Secretary Ang said the partnership will assure Filipinos overseas of an avenue to obtain accurate information about their shipments and which government offices to approach for assistance.

DETAILS HERE

“The problem is the lack of information. Through our existing networks and continuing dialogue with them, we can make sure they know who they can trust, what procedures to follow, and which BOC offices they can approach when they need assistance,” Ang said.

Before the agreement, Ang said the CFO had used regular press releases, posts on social media platforms, community engagements and overseas networks to inform Filipinos abroad about customs procedures, legitimate service providers, and the appropriate BOC offices to contact.

All these efforts are expected to be strengthened with the BOC’s active involvement.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Customs Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of the new alliance, saying many OFs send balikbayan boxes on a regular basis to family members back in the Philippines.

“Through this partnership, we want to ensure that they have access to reliable information on customs requirements, proper shipping practices, and available government assistance whenever concerns arise,” Nepomuceno said.

Their agreement comes amid mounting problems about boxes being abandoned in container vans at various ports, including Manila, Cebu and Davao, mainly because freight forwarders failed to pay for port storage, handling and shipping fees.

Basahin ang detalye!

Other problems include pilferage and damage to boxes, with forwarding companies refusing to cover losses. Another common problem is the inordinate delay in the delivery of the boxes, made more serious by the lack of local tracking, tampering and damage.

To alleviate customers’ concerns, the government has at times intervened to get abandoned boxes sent to recipients at no extra cost, or if they remain stuck in overseas warehouses, find another company that would take over the shipment and delivery in the Philippines.

A Citi Express customer posted these photos of the boxes which she said were being delayed 

But the problems remain. Most recently in Hong Kong, a number of overseas Filipino workers sought help from various government agencies to track and recover boxes they sent through a company called Citi Express Cargo Services as early as November last year.

The complainants said on the company’s Facebook page that the company staff have been promising them for months that their boxes would arrive soon, but they never did.

Others said, however, that their boxes did arrive, but only after months of delay.

Under their agreement with CFO, the BOC will provide updated guidance on customs laws and procedures, regulated goods, documentation, duties and taxes, exemptions, permits, clearances, and other requirements.

In turn, the CFO will disseminate the information through its various platforms which they use to engage Filipinos who are abroad.The CFO chief added that the agreement should also prove useful to overseas Filipinos extending humanitarian assistance and donations to communities and institutions in the Philippines through programs such as LINKAPIL.

Free flu vaccine for 50 years old up back at MWO

The free vaccine for seasonal influenza or flu for those aged 50 years old and above will resume at the Migrant Workers Office’s conference room  on the 29^th floor of United Centre Building in Admiralty starting on Tuesday, Sept 22, until Sunday, Nov. 29. 

In between those dates, the vaccination will be given every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am t0 12:30pm, and on Sundays from 9am to 12:30pm. The full schedule is in the attached poster.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

To qualify for the free flu vaccine, one must turn 50 within this year, or older. Please bring your HKID card and vaccine record if available.

No prior registration is necessary, but shots will be given on a first come, first served basis.

Basahin ang detalye!

Applicants are advised to consult the MWO Facebook page for any updates.

The seasonal flu vaccination program started on September 17 across Hong Kong, with both public and subsidized private clinics administering the shots.

Everyone is urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as Hong Kong has officially commenced its active influenza season, with overall activity at a high level.

Pinay jailed 10 months for $1.8 money laundering

 Kwun Tong Court

Another Filipina has been jailed for 10 months after pleading guilty at Kwun Tong Court to allowing $1.8 million of proceeds from crime to pass though her bank account, and then withdrawn by unknown persons.

Rowena Costinar, 44 years old, had been charged with dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offense, contrary to sections 25 (1) and 25 (3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Acting Principal Magistrate Li Chi-ho handed the sentence to Costinar after deducting the usual one-third as credit for her guilty plea.

Costinar, a domestic helper, admitted to having dealt with $1,770,298.13 in her account with the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, during the 12 days between April 9 and 20, 2023.

She did the offense, together with another unknown person, “knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that property, … represented any person's proceeds of an indictable offence,” the police complaint said.

Basahin ang detalye!

Meanwhile, in the same court, Roel Capuli, 54 years old. pleaded not guilty to the charge of cruelty to animals, contrary to section 3(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance.

Magistrate Li scheduled his trial for December 2. He is out on bail of $500.

Capuli is charged with cruelly ill-treating two dogs and causing unnecessary suffering to the said dogs on  September 26, 2025 on Ho Chung Road, Sai Kung Division, Ho Chung, Sai Kung, New Territories.

Police say money problems drove Filipina to hang self

 

The death happened in this luxurious residential estate

A 36-year-old Filipina domestic helper was found hanging by a rope inside the bathroom of her employer’s flat in the luxury residential estate, Victoria Coast in Pokfulam, early today, Wednesday.

DETAILS HERE

Police who were called to the scene at 7:17am by the helper’s employer said the victim left a suicide note indicating financial problems as the cause.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

The victim with initials M.D.C.  was declared dead at the scene.

Police have classified the death as suicide but an autopsy will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

Basahin ang detalye!

The Migrant Workers Office has confirmed receiving a report on the death.

We will update the story when we get more information.

If you are feeling depressed or are having suicidal thoughts, please call The Samaritans' 24-hour hotline, 2896 0000 for free counseling. Filipinos, especially domestic workers, may also call the hotline of the Migrant Workers Office, 6345 9324, or the Mission for Migrant Workers, 9529 2326.

Mainlander who passed by Manila arrested for cannabis buds in luggage

 

Suspected cannabis buds seized from the woman passed by Manila from Bangkok

A mainland woman who arrived today at the airport from Bangkok, Thailand, via Manila was found to have about 10 kilos of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $2.3 million, inside her checked-in suitcase.

The 37-year-old passenger was arrested while she was undergoing customs clearance at the arrival area.

No further details were divulged by the Customs and Excise Department, except to say that the woman will be charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (September 9).

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

The woman was the third person arrested today at the airport for drug trafficking, with Customs officers seizing a total of about 25 kilograms of suspected ketamine and about 13kg of suspected cannabis buds, with a total estimated market value of about 13 million..

The first case involved a Mainland male passenger, aged 48, who also arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, last night (September 7).

During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 3 kilos of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $700,000 in his carry-on suitcase. The man was arrested in the early hours today.

Basahin ang detalye!

In the second case, a 23-year-old Taiwan male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Barcelona, Spain, today.

During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 25kg of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market value of about $10 million inside his checked-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

The two men will also be charged at the West Kowloon Court.

In a statement, Customs said it will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis.

The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. “They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people,” Customs said.

Migrant workers hit out at call for wage freeze

 

AMCB and local support groups raise fist in protest at call for wage freeze

An alliance of migrant workers from different countries has repeated a call for a minimum wage of HK$6,172 for all foreign domestic workers and denounced a call by employers’groups to freeze their pay.

Septi, a spokesperson for the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (AMCB) said at a press conference held Sunday that freezing salaries would amount to a pay cut, given the surging inflation.

“The demand for a pay freeze actively pushes migrant workers deeper into financial hardship. The current legal minimum salary of HK$5,100 per month is already incredibly low. It fails to reflect a true living wage for the city.” she said.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

“A frozen wage acts as a functional pay cut, driving workers into severe personal debt.”

The International Domestic Service Industry Development Federation and the Quadripartite Alliance for Harmonious Employment Practices (QAHEP) called for a wage freeze earlier this week, claiming that mandated pay hikes could cause mass contract terminations.

The coalition cited a July survey showing 97% of employers are opposed to wage increases for FDWs, saying it would strain their finances. The group also said FDW pay has risen7.8 percent over three years while the consumer price index rose only 5.4 percent.

They said migrant workers should share the hardship from the economic crisis.

Basahin ang detalye!

AMCB said that instead of a wage freeze or cut, foreign domestic workers should be paid the minimum “living wage” of HK$6,172 and HK$3,123 in food allowance.

While admitting that the Mideast oil crisis is causing financial problems across the board, the group said it should be the Hong Kong government that must address the problem and not allow it to be passed on to the most vulnerable sectors of society like migrant workers.

Another spokesperson, Dolores Balladares, said: “We acknowledge that Hong Kong workers, many of whom are employers of MDWs, also face economic hardships due to low wages. The HK government is the one accountable for not addressing the issue of workers' low salary, the high cost of living and the unresolved economic crisis here in HK. MDWs should not be made the scapegoat of such neglect.”

The group says a wage freeze will amount to a pay cut, given the rise in prices

The press conference was attended by representatives of various local rights groups like Meilin Wu of HK Women Workers Association, Sally Liang from International Migrants Alliance Academe Network, Fifi Ng of Auto8A migrants committee, Vic Yong from HK Living Wage network and Johannie Tong from Mission for Migrants Workers.

“Migrant domestic workers are dedicated labourers who deserve dignity, fairness, and a living wage, not systemic exploitation,” said the group.

Wu added, “The government policies and loopholes make carers (local and migrant ) suffer,”

Ng explained the growth rates of the MDWs’ minimum allowable wage and the local statutory minimum wage have been much lower than Hong Kong’s median income levels. All three metrics lag behind Hong Kong’s GDP growth.

Mission’s Tong said, “Migrant domestic workers are the backbone of HK society. MDWs are the ones ensuring children, elderly, and households are taken care of, making it possible to increase the labour force for the HK economy and communities to function. Yet the contribution of MDWs is always taken for granted and they are treated as commodities that are disposable.”

Liang added, “Better care for migrant domestic workers genuinely means better care for Hong Kong families. Instead of letting commercial intermediaries profit while pushing workers and employers into conflict, we urge the Hong Kong government to take institutional responsibility, regulate the care chain effectively, and ensure a living wage that supports the entire caregiving fabric of our society.”

The speakers ended the press conference with a pledge to continue the fight, not only for a living wage, but also for better working and living conditions, and for the fair and just treatment of all local and migrant workers in Hong Kong

16 persons arrested in latest anti-illegal work operations

 

Immigration agents display items seized during the raids

Multiple raids led by the Immigration Department have resulted in the arrest of 16 people across Hong Kong over a week-long period that ended on September 3.

Targeted during the raids were restaurants, massage parlors and flats under renovation.

Of those arrested, 13 were suspected to be illegal workers, two were employers and one was an overstayer.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

The suspected illegal workers comprised five men and eight women, aged 33 to 46.

Two of them, a man and a woman, held recognizance forms which attest to their right to remain in Hong Kong while their applications against non-refoulement were being considered. However, they are not allowed to take any employment, paid or unpaid.

Another woman was found in possession of a forged HK ID card, which is a more serious offence than working illegally.

PINDUTIN DITO

The arrested overstayer is a woman aged 68.

Two men, aged 39 and 48, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. Their cases remain under investigation and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Immigration said in a statement that anyone who violates a condition of stay, like working without permission, is a serious offence for which a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and fine of up to HK$50,000 is prescribed.

Basahin ang detalye!

If the illegal worker is an illegal immigrant, a non-refoulement claimant or an overstayer, the prescribed maximum prison term is three years, along with HK$50,000 in fine.

Possessing and using a forged identity document or using one issued to another person could result in imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of HK$100,000.

Those found guilty of employing illegal workers could be punished with a maximum fine of HK$500,000 and imprisoned for up to 10 years.

 

Pinay charged with 2 others in robbery case held without bail

 

The robbery allegedly took place in one of these buildings (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina domestic helper accused of aiding and abetting a robbery was remanded in jail while her two co-accused - a Pakistani and an Indian- who are facing robbery and detention charges, were granted bail in a hearing at the Kowloon City Court on Friday.

Magistrate Arthur Lam adjourned the case to October 7 after setting a cash bail of $15,000  each for Pakistani construction worker Rizwan Iqbal, 31 years old, and Indian asylum seeker Singh Amandip, 40 years old.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

However, Magistrate Lam returned Jinky Joy Cortado, 36 years old, to jail to await the next hearing.

Iqbal and Amandip are charged with robbery, contrary to section 10 of the Theft Ordinance, after they allegedly robbed a male, Mohammand Mahboob, of one sling bag containing three ATM cards, one Apple iPhone 17 Pro mobile phone and $60,000 in cash, for a total value of $70,000.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

They were also charged with false imprisonment, contrary to Common Law, and punishable under section 101I of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance after they allegedly “assaulted and unlawfully and injuriously imprisoned Male/Mohammand Mahboob and detained him against his will,” according to the charge sheet filed by Police.

The offenses allegedly took place last August 25 inside a flat on 187 Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom.

Basahin ang detalye!

Cortado, on the other hand, was charged with aiding and abetting robbery, contrary to section 10 of the Theft Ordinance, and section 89 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, for helping Iqbal and Amandip in the robbery.

She was also charged with aiding false imprisonment, contrary to Common Law, and punishable under sections 101 I and  89 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, for helping her co-accused illegally detain Mohammand.

Pinay in detention for $423K theft of jewelry, cash

 

The theft allegedly took place in this development (Google Maps photo)

A Filipino domestic helper was returned to jail after her two theft cases, in which is accused of stealing $422, 928 in cash and jewelry, was adjourned today at Tuen Mun Court.

Rosa Combo, 41 years old. is facing two charges of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance,.

Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang adjourned her case to October 16  for mention.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Combo is charged with stealing two gold rings, two bracelets, one baby gold necklace, one baby necklace with gold pendant, three gold necklaces, one gold bracelet, all with a total value $400,000, the property of Cheng Tsz-wing Vincent

She faces a second theft complaint in which she is accused of stealing HK$11,000 and CNY10,000, for a total value of $22,928.29, also the property of Cheng.

The two theft cases allegedly took place  between October 8, 2024 and January 29, 2026, at a flat in Riva on Ying Họ Road, Pat Heung, Yuen Long, New Territories.

Basahin ang detalye!

In another theft case at Kowloon City Court, Maricel Noveda, 36 years old, was released on bail of $1,000 after Magistrate Arthur Lam adjourned to November 8.

Noveda is charged with stealing a chose in action -- debts totalling of $35,298.10, owed by Octopus Cards Limited to the card owner Chan Yuk – when she allegedly used the card for purchases between November 1, 2025 and January 23 this year.

She faces a second theft charge in which she is accused of stealing supermarket coupons equivalent to $15,000 owned by Chan, between December 1 last year and January 31 this year.

Filipino tourists warned against illegal work

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has warned Filipino tourists against violating their conditions of stay in Hong Kong by taking up work or engaging in business during the 14-day visa-free entry granted them.

A statement posted by the Consulate on Facebook said the 14-day period is “for tourism and leisure purposes only.”

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Under regulation 2(1) of the Immigration Regulations, a tourist is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid; establish or join in any business; and become a student at a school, university or other educational institution.

Given these prohibitions, the Consulate said tourists cannot work as a photographer at tourist sites, help open or run a business establishment, solicit buyers of condominiums or time shares, or applying for a Hong Kong driver’s license to secure a job as a driver.

Visitor from the Mainland is arrested for acting as tour guide in HK (File)

The warning comes amid an intensified campaign by the Immigration Department to flush out illegal workers, be they foreign domestic workers, overstayers, asylum seekers or tourists. Government law enforcers routinely arrest about two dozen people in their weekly anti-illegal work operations.

Only recently, Immigration sought the Consulate’s help in warning Filipino workers on their days off that they should not engage in illegal work, like giving manicure and pedicure services, hawking food, clothes or any other items; and even helping shape and pluck eyebrows.

Basahin ang detalye!

The same rule applies to all visitors who do not have express permission from Immigration to take up work during their visit. This was emphasized recently when a Shenzhen-based makeup company announced publicly that it did the makeup of a Miss Hong Kong candidate, sparking .

Following the public advisory, a FDH messaged The SUN to ask if she will be violating immigration regulations if she signed up as a sub-agent for the Hong Kong office of a big Philippine real estate company. The answer to this is a resounding “yes.”