22 arrested in anti-illegal work sweep ahead of ‘Golden Week’

Tourists are advised not to hire illegal tour guides

Unlicensed tour escorts or travel agents were among those targeted in the latest anti-illegal work operations led by the Immigration Department.

Immigration agents have teamed up with staff from the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) to distribute leaflets at popular tourist attractions such as the West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Clock Tower and Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and Wong Tai Sin Temple.

The message to locals and tourists alike was the same: “Don’t employ illegal tour escorts or tourist guides.”

The initiative comes ahead of the “Golden Week” in the Mainland, when hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists flock to Hong Kong during the long holiday.

The TIA said it will continue to work closely with law enforcement authorities throughout the holiday to ensure no illegal tour guide activities take place.

Items seized from suspected illegal workers

Meanwhile, the regular crackdown on illegal work continued at the same time, resulting in the arrest of 22 people in a six-day period, from Apr 24 to 29.

Of those arrested in raids on restaurants, retail stress and flats under renovation across multiple districts, 18 were suspected to be illegal workers and four were employers.

The arrested workers comprised 13 men and five women, aged 19 to 54. One of the women was found in possession of a forged HK identity card.

Two men and two women aged 39 to 54 were arrested on suspicion of hiring the illegal workers. An investigation into their operation is continuing.

Hong Kong laws strictly forbid illegal work by tourists or visitors, illegal immigrants, persons fighting deportation, or those contracted to work only for a particular employer and location.

Maximum penalties range from two to years in prison, and a fine of up to HK$50,000. Overstayers, illegal immigrants and asylum seekers face higher prison sentences.

Those found guilty of possessing a forged identity document can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to HK$100,000. 

Employers face more severe penalties: up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of HK$500,000.

PCG warns Filipinas anew against surrogacy offers abroad

 

Some of the surrogates are abused or abandoned abroad, even after getting pregnant

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has issued another warning to Filipino women to be wary of offers to act as surrogate mothers in unnamed countries abroad.

The advisory issued Thursday said a number of Filipinas had reached out to the Department of Foreign Affairs to ask for help after their recruiter for surrogacy jobs refused to pay them salaries after learning they were afflicted with some ailment.

The recruiter’s handlers on the other hand had been driving them away from the boarding houses where they were made to stay but did not offer any money for their return air fare. The women were also warned that the police would be tipped off about their whereabouts if they did not leave.

As they flew in as tourists they cannot get help from local authorities regarding the illicit employment deal, said the Consulate.

While no details were disclosed as to where the Filipinas had come from or which country they are now staying, the PCG had posted a similar warning last year after a Filipina domestic worker in Hong Kong was lured to Georgia to act as surrogate but was then subjected to abuse after getting pregnant.

According to a Filipino community leader who relayed the victim’s appeal for help to the PCG, the 36-year-old surrogate was held captive by her abuser in the Georgian capital, Tblisi, and was being forced to abort the six-month baby in her womb.

The OFW said she was tempted to accept the surrogacy offer after her employment contract in Hong Kong was terminated in October 2024. Instead of going back to the Philippines, she agreed to fly to Qatar, then onwards to the East European country.

The victim also said she was terminated in Hong Kong in October 2024 and agreed to the surrogacy offer because it was tempting.

The OFW was reportedly offered US$11,800 over nine months to carry an implanted egg in her womb. The recruiter arranged a tourist visa for her in Georgia, which allowed her to leave Hong Kong within days.

After the PCG was alerted the victim was rescued from her captor but was able to fly back home only after giving birth in Georgia.

According to the PCG’s initial warning, a syndicate appeared to be targeting terminated domestic helpers for surrogacy jobs in Georgia, where many ended up being raped and forced to undergo abortion.

In the Philippines, there is no law that either bans or allows surrogacy. But the lack of explicit regulation and strict laws on adoption have resulted in many surrogates falling victim to unscrupulous brokers or recruiters.

 

 

 

 

Filipino designers take center stage in HK’s Fashion InStyle exhibit

 

Models and designers take a bow at end of show

Filipino designers topbilled a fashion show held Tuesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) as part of the Fashion InStyle international exhibition organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

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Featured were both traditional and contemporary Filipino outfits from companies like Bayo, Abacatex, Raquel's Pina Cloth Products, Yndan, Cool Kimono Crafts and Thian Rodriguez, and eye-catching native accessories from Arnel Papa that enthralled about 100 people who watched the show.

Congen Romulo and Vice Consul Mabalot flank Cong. Remulla and wife Georgia

Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. and Trade Attache Roberto Mabalot, Jr joined the guests who included Cavite Rep. Crispin Diego Remulla, whose wife Georgia founded the Yndan fashion brand.

The exhibition which kicked off on Monday and will run until Thursday, Apr 30, brings together 60 exhibitors from around the world, and features sustainable sourcing, creative fabrication and heritage-driven materials for the fashion industry.

This patchwork terno from Yndan is a standout

A total of 25 companies from the Philippines are taking part in the Fashion InStyle exhibition, the biggest ever contingent from the country for this event. 

The other exhibitors are Adam Pereyra, Al Jamelah Inaul Textile Weaving Services Association, Anmari & Co., Asiatex,  Crafter's Joy, Jevan Jewelry, Kitsilver Jewellery, Likhang Maragondon, Likhang Filipino, Narda's, Nifty Prestige, Olly + Fely, PLV Trading, Rowilda's Loomweaving, Tela Tropika, Tribo Estilo, Tuwas Yakan Weavers, Vesti, and Virtucio.

Thian Rodriguez uses Philippine fabrics to make bold fashion statements

Simultaneously, five elite CITEM (Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions) exhibitors are taking part in the Home InStyle exhibition at the same venue.

The Philippine Pavilion for Fashion InStyle can be found at Hall 3FG, while the delegation for Home InStyle are at Hall 5E-B11.

Contemporary saya in various native fabrics like jusi & abaca with one-of-kind artwork

The Filipino participation in both events is made possible by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Hong Kong, an attached agency of the Philippine Consulate General and is the representative office of the Department of Trade and Industry.

PTIC-HK is inviting potential global partners to explore the Philippines’ world-class manufacturing capabilities as shown by the wide-ranging product displays at both exhibits. For business matching, contact hongkong@dti.gov.ph or call 2823 8533.

DH jailed 12 months for jewelry theft

 

Fanling Magistrates' Court

A domestic helper has been jailed for 12 months after she pleaded guilty at Fanling Court to stealing 23 pieces of jewelry worth HK$208,950

Maricel Villegas, 44 years old, was convicted on Tuesday (April 28)  of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance,.

Acting Principal Magistrate Jason Wan set a starting point of 16 months in jail, which he reduced by one third as a discount for her guilty plea.

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A police complaint alleged that Villegas stole 11 gold bangles, four gold rings, five gold necklaces and pendants, one gold necklace, one gold bracelet, and one silver ring, worth a total of HK$208,950, the property of Cheng Hoi-tung.

The theft took place between Nov. 8, 2025 and Feb. 11, 2026, at her employer’s flat at Fan Garden, 17 Fan Leng Lau Road in Fanling, New Territories.

MWO distributes Php2.7M in financial aid to distressed OFWs

 

Top Consulate officials handed out the cash awards to 42 needy OFWs

The Migrant Workers Office Hong Kong has distributed a total of Php2.7 million in financial aid to 42 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (Aksyon) Fund.

The mass handing out of the cash awards to mostly sick OFWs was held on Sunday, Apr 26,  at the OFW Global Center with Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. and Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr. leading the distribution.

A total of 24 beneficiaries, mostly suffering from critical illness like cancer, each received the HK dollar equivalent of Php75,000 while 18 others who were facing less severe ailments or labor-related hardship received the HK dollar equivalent of Php50,000.

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Labatt Chavez said the financial aid reflects the commitment of MWO Hong Kong to respond to the welfare needs of OFWs in Hong Kong.

He said his office is committed to update its processes so Aksyon Fund applicants who are able to submit complete documents can receive their cash aid within the same day.

He also announced the implementation of a queuing system at MWO, and the introduction of the online contract verification system starting on April 30.

Labatt Chavez pledges same-day release of Aksyon Fund if documents are in order

ConGen Israel for his part affirmed the Consulate’s commitment together with MWO and other attached agencies to provide efficient delivery of services to all Filipinos in Hong Kong.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Consul General Von Ryan Ferrera, Vice Consul David Paje, Assistant Labor Attache Karen Arlan, Social Welfare Attache Rem Marcelino and OWWA Welfare Officer Marilou Sumalinog.

The Department of Migrant Workers through the Aksyon Fund, provides various forms of assistance to OFWs including legal, repatriation, shipment of remains, and other analogous intervention to protect the rights and promote the welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

OFWs who wish to seek assistance through the Fund may go to MWO Hong Kong on the 29^th floor of United Centre in Admiralty for guidance on the application process.

 

 

Pinay fined for keeping iPhone she found

 

A domestic helper has learned an expensive lesson - that a mobile phone she found in front of a McDonald’s restaurant was not for her to keep.

Nena Passi, 56 years old, had to pay a fine of $950 and a compensation of $50 to owner LI Yu Qian, on Thursday (April 23) at West Kowloon Court after she pleaded guilty to theft, in violation of section 9 of the Theft Ordinance, as charged by Tsuen Wan Police.

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The $1,000 was deducted from the cash bail of the same amount, which she posted earlier.

Passi was charged with theft after she found one Apple iPhone 13 and one Hello Kitty case valued at $2,354, outside the McDonald’s restaurant in Tsuen Wan Plaza, Tsuen Wan, last Feb. 20, and decided to keep it.

The phone was returned to the owner after Passi was arrested.             

Ex-DH sought over alleged HK$290k theft

 

The block of flats where alleged theft took place

A Filipina former domestic helper is reportedly being sought after a theft of jewelry amounting to HK$290,000 allegedly went missing from a Pok Fu Lam flat where she used to work.

A 51-year-old woman living in Pokfulam Gardens as well as her husband contacted the police at around 10am on Wednesday to report that several pieces of jewelry she owned valued had gone missing.

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Officers who investigated the report classified the case as theft, and are continuing the investigation.

A 42-year-old Filipina who used to work as a domestic helper in the house has been identified as a suspect and is now being sought by the police.

PCG warns Filipinos against engaging in illegal gambling

 

The Consulate advisory against illegal gambling

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has reminded Filipinos in Hong Kong that it is illegal to manage unauthorized gambling establishments or engage in gambling outside of a licensed gambling establishment, “whatever the amount.”

The warning came after police confirmed the arrest of six people, four women and two men aged 35 to 61 years old, for illegal gambling on Chater Road in Central on Sunday, April 19.

Cash amounting to $1,400 and a batch of gambling equipment were seized during the operation.

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Eyewitnesses said those arrested were Filipinos and they were led away from the scene in handcuffs, in full view of a large number of people who were in the vicinity at the time.

The area where they were allegedly caught gambling was seen being sealed off for further investigation.

Several areas in Central are known blackspots for illegal gambling by Filipino migrant workers, especially on Sundays. These include a stairway on Murray Road near Chater Garden, and the perimeter of City Hall

The arrest was among at least three carried out over the past several days by police who used drones for the first time to catch the suspects engaging in illegal street gambling.

One was in Chung On Estate in Ma On Shan, which resulted in the arrest of eight people and the seizure of $420 in cash, along with some gambling equipment.

The other one was in Tsuen Wan where 12 elderly suspects were arrested, including a 91-year-old man. Seized from them was $451 cash and some gambling paraphernalia.

Police said in a news conference that it will strengthen patrol to crack down on illegal street gambling.

All gambling activities in Hong Kong are illegal unless run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club or licensed mahjong parlors, restaurants and clubhouses.

Illegal gambling is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$5 million.

 

Mark 6 to mark 50th year with $228M jackpot

 

One of Mark 6 beneficiaries: The Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon

Mark Six will celebrate its 50th anniversary with two mega snowball draws, with the first one featuring the  biggest-ever jackpot of $228 million taking place on May 2.

Tickets for this inaugural snowball draw will be on sale after the regular draw on April 25. Sales will close at 9:15pm on May 2. Details of the second commemorative snowball will be announced later.

This will mark the last draw on the fourth-generation drawing machine, which has been in service for 16 years. The fifth-generation model will be used in succeeding draws, including the second snowball on a still-undisclosed date.

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The Mark Six, launched in 1976, has supported more than 25,000 projects of social welfare organizations through $55.4 billon in lottery duty to the government, and $30.7 billion in contributions to the Lotteries Fund, the HK Jockey Club said.

As of April 18, its most frequently drawn numbers are 30, appearing 515 times, 49 (514 times), 24 (511 times), 22 (503 times) and 13(500 times). The least popular number is 19, which has been drawn 437 times, followed by 41 (439 times), 23 and 25 (447 times each), and 43 (448 times).

The snowball draw is only one of a series of activities to commemorate five decades of serving the community and part of the club’s Year of the Horse campaign.

The “Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” will be held at Duplex Studio, Tai Kwun, in Central from May 1 to May 10 under the theme “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”. To be featured are precious Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets.

The exhibition will also feature a simulated draw studio, where visitors can take instant photos with a retired drawing machine, and sale of souvenir items.

“The Club’s Year of the Horse campaign is a year-long celebration of the close bond between horses and humans and the contribution racing makes to Hong Kong,” HKJC said.

“Through the success of Hong Kong horses on the international stage, the sport also brings pride to the community and global recognition to our city,” it added.

FDHs urged to get measles vaccine as 3rd airport case reported

 

HK regards FDHs as high risk for measles 

A third measles infection has reportedly occurred among three men working in the same company at the Hong Kong International Airport, prompting a call for airport staff and foreign domestic workers to get vaccinated against the disease.

The latest case involves a 37-year-old airport worker who developed a fever and myalgia since Apr 15, followed by a cough and a sore throat the next day.

He consulted a doctor in a Tuen Mun clinic on Apr 16 and 18 , after which he developed a rash. The next day the Center for Health Protection arranged for his admission to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment and isolation.

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On Monday, tests showed he had measles. He remains in hospital where he’s reported to be in stable condition.

Further investigation showed he worked in the same company at the airport as the two other men who caught the disease earlier.

The patient lives alone and is unsure if he received measles vaccination. The CHP thinks the three cases are related.

According to the patient, in between visiting private clinics on Apr 16 and 18 he reported for work to the airport on Apr15 and 19.

The CHP has started contact tracing to find out close contacts of the patient, as well as high-risk individuals. A total of 31 individuals who were in the clinic while the patient was there, plus 68 staff at his workplace, have been identified as close contacts and will be closely monitored.

In addition a health booth set up by the CHP at the airport on Apr 18 has so far provided assessment and vaccination for more than 200 staff. It will continue to operate until Apr 22.

The press statement did not explain why FDHs were singled out in the police advisory, although it did say that cases of measles remain high in the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.

It added that while Hong Kong has a high level of immunization it remains vulnerable to infection from imported cases, owing to the big number of people who come in from various places.

As measles is airborne it could be highly contagious, but full vaccination is usually enough to protect one from infection. 

The CHP has sent a letter to all registered doctors and aviation industry to inform them of the measles outbreak and urged them to be vigilant and report suspicious cases. A copy of the letter has also been sent to employment agencies asking them to encourage FDHs to receive the measles vaccine.

Measles has an incubation period of 7 to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Travelers returning from places with measles outbreak are urged to seek medical advice, and to isolate immediately. Pregnant women and babies under a year old are high risk for the disease.

 

Filipinos picked up for gambling in Central

 

Gambling area is sealed off after the suspects were led to an unmarked van in handcuffs

UPDATE: A group of Filipinos was hauled away by police officers from Statue Square in Central at about mid-day today on suspicion of illegal gambling.

The arrest was witnessed by a number of Filipinos, including those gathered on Chater Road which is closed to traffic on Sunday, to celebrate Cordillera Day.

According to one eyewitness, about 10 were arrested, all of them women except for two. They were reportedly put in handcuffs and led to an unmarked police van parked nearby before being taken away for questioning.

But a statement issued by the police later said two men and four women aged 35 to 61 were arrested for ïllegal gambling on the street and were still being detained for questioning.

Cash amounting to $1,400 and a batch of gambling equipment were seized during the operation.

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The bus stop area where they were allegedly found gambling was sealed with police tape for evidence-gathering.

Several areas in Central are known blackspots for illegal gambling by migrant workes, especially on Sundays. These include a stairway near Chater Garden and the perimeter of City Hall .

The Central operation was carried out amid reports police have taken to using drones to track illegal activities, including unlicensed gambling.

A statement from the police released today said drones were used for the first time to counter street-illegal gambling in Chung On Estate in Ma On Shan as part of an operation carried out from Apr 5 to 18.

Eight suspects – seven men and one woman – were arrested and HK$420 in cash was seized, along with gambling equipment.

Police vowed to strengthen patrols to crack down on illegal gambling on the streets.

All gambling activities in Hong Kong are illegal unless run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club or licensed mahjong parlors, restaurants and clubhouses.

Illegal street gambling is punishable by a maximum sentence of nine months in prison and a HK$50,000 fine.

MWO extends help to Filipina DH arrested for alleged child abuse

 

Le Sommet in North Point where the alleged offence is said to have taken place

The Migrant Workers Office has been in touch and is extending help to a 39-year-old Filipina domestic worker arrested yesterday on suspicion of ill-treating a 15-month-old baby in her care.

This is according to a MWO case worker who said their office reached out to the arrested worker after news of her arrest was published earlier today.

According to news reports, the helper was arrested at the flat of her employer at Le Sommet on Fortress Hill Road at about 4pm yesterday after a woman called the police and said that her son may have fallen off a bed because of mistreatment.

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The details of the alleged abuse were not made clear. However, officers who responded to the call arrested the domestic helper after a preliminary inquiry on suspicion of “ill treatment or neglect by those in charge of a child or young person.”

The helper remains in police custody for further questioning.

The toddler was taken to Ruttonjee Hospital examination though he had no apparent injuries.

Ill-treating a child is punishable under Hong Kong’s Offences Against the Person Ordinance with up to 10 years in prison upon indictment of 3 years on summary conviction.