15,600 more people lose jobs as HK unemployment nears 16-year high

By The SUN

The unemployment rate is likely to rise with Cathay's move to cut 5,000 jobs

 

Some 15,600 people in Hong Kong lost their jobs in the third quarter of this year, as the unemployment rate rose to a nearly 16-year high of 6.4% due to the continuing impact of the pandemic on the local economy.

Data released by the government on Oct 20 showed the unemployment rate growing by 0.3 percentage point from July to September, compared with the previous quarter.

The jobless rate is expected to rise even more by the next quarter, after Cathay Pacific announced today, Oct 21, that it would cut the jobs of more than 5,000 staff in Hong Kong, including about 2,000 cabin crew, many of whom are Filipinos.

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According to officers of Cathay’s Flight Attendants Union, those who were sacked will get an extra month’s pay and will be compensated for the unpaid leave they were forced to take earlier. The company will also not charge their MPF for their severance pay.

The union said the redundancy package was “not overly generous,” and feared more jobs would be cut because of the continuing decline in the economy brought on by the pandemic.

Lawmakers immediately expressed over the mass layoff at Cathay, saying the government must take steps to minimize the impact of the job cuts.

Lawmakers fear the Cathay job cuts would make other big companies to follow suit

Civic Party legislator Jeremy Tan that as the government had already injected $30 billion to bail Cathay out earlier this year, it should ask the company to do its best to retain staff.

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Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Alice Mak said, on the other hand, that it is time for the government to give unemployment subsidies to help those affected.

She also feared the mass layoff would further push up the city’s unemployment rate by another 0.2 percent.

Starry Lee, chairwoman of the pro-establishment party Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong, said the job cuts at Cathay could lead other big companies to make a similar move.

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"I am very much afraid that Cathay Pacific’s plan is just the beginning and other large-scale companies will follow suit,” said Lee.

Total employment decreased by about 15,600 from 3,640,400 in June-August to 3,624,800 in July-September.

The impact of the job losses reverberated in the ranks of foreign domestic helpers, thousands of whom were laid off by employers who also lost their employment.

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In June-August alone, nearly 9,000 Filipino domestic helpers lost their jobs, with many employers citing job loss as the reason for terminating contracts. From January this year, the drop has been more than 15,000.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong said the labor market deteriorated as a whole during the past quarter amid the third wave of the local epidemic, particularly in July and August.

However, he said, there were signs the pressure faced by the labor market stabilized towards the end of the quarter with support from the Employment Support Scheme, which helped beleaguered companies pay the salary of their workers.

The unemployment rate increased across almost all the major economic sectors, with more distinct increases in the retail, accommodation and food services sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

Underemployment decreases were mainly seen in the transportation and education sectors, while increases were mainly seen in the food and beverage service activities, and arts, entertainment and recreation sectors.

“As the overall economic situation remains weak and the global pandemic is still evolving, the labor market will remain under pressure in the near term…The government will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Law said.

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Dismissed maid jailed 4 months for $26,000 loan fraud

By Vir B. Lumicao 

The 2 cases were heard today at Eastern Court

A Filipina domestic helper has been sent to jail for four months for taking out a $26,000 loan without telling the lender she was fired the day before.

G. Camayang, 40, pleaded guilty to the charge today, Oct 20, at Eastern Court.

Magistrate Bina Chainrai said she could give no further discount after cutting Camayang’s sentence by one-third due to her guilty plea.

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The magistrate pointed out that Camayang knew her work contract was no longer valid since she was fired a day before she applied for the loan at a Prime Credit branch in Admiralty on Mar 23, 2019.

The defendant, a mother of five children of whom the youngest was aged 4 and the eldest was 14, was arrested by police on Feb 23 this year while she was already working for a new employer, her third, the prosecution said.

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By then, she had already defaulted on the $26,000 loan that she got, and was supposed to repay at $2,303 monthly installments. She paid just once and left $25,346 unpaid.

After the money lender learned that Camayang had been fired her the case was reported to the police.

After her arrest, the Filipina helper made two more payments to the Prime Credit account in May and July this year and kept the receipts, said her lawyer.

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Camayang was able to find an employer shortly after losing her job, but she was also dismissed in September 2019. She was then hired by another employer but was fired just last month because of this case.

The defendant wiped off her tears as her lawyer explained her difficult situation since she was dismissed by her employer.

Meanwhile, a Filipino male helper was sentenced today in Eastern Court to a total of 9 months in jail for possession of dangerous drugs in February and for stealing a $3,100 bicycle on Lamma Island on June 30.

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J. Fernandez, 36, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug possession and one count of theft in Eastern Court on Oct 6. He was sentenced by Magistrate Chainrai to 8 month in jail for the first drug charge and two weeks for the second, to run concurrently.

He was jailed one month for stealing the bike, to be served after the drug sentence.

The defendant, who performed gardening work, was arrested on the night of Feb 11 by a police patrol at Central Pier 4 after he acted suspiciously and tried to evade them.

The officers found 2 small plastic bags containing 6.48 grams of methamphetamine powder under the waistband of his underpants. The next morning, they found 0.23g of cannabis resin wrapped in a tissue also in his underpants.

While on out bail, Fernandez stole a red bicycle parked on a roadside in Yung Shue Long Village, Lamma, on the night of Jun 30 and repainted it silver. The owner’s wife was able to trace the bike on Jul 2 and reported to police. The defendant was arrested on July 4.

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Curbs on public gatherings retained, as 5 new Covid-19 cases reported

 By The SUN 

No more than 4 people can gather in public still, but tour groups can have up to 30 members

The ban on more than four people eating and talking together in public has been extended for another week by health officials.

But travel agencies will be allowed to book tour groups of no more than 30 people starting this Friday, Oct 23. Up to 50 people can also gather for a wedding, but they must not eat or drink together.

The new measures were announced today, Oct 20,  by Food and Health Secretary Dr Sophia Chan, as five new coronavirus cases, including one local infection with no known source, were reported.

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Hong Kong’s total cases are now 5,262 with 105 deaths.

Of the 127 infected patients who remain in hospital, 12 are in critical condition, five are serious, and 110 are in stable condition.

According to Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan from the Centre for Health Protection, the lone untraceable case is a 32-year-old female clerk who tested positive after leaving a sample at the Yau Ma Tei Testing Centre on Oct 18.

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Five or six of her family members who live with her at Grand Promenade in Sai Wan Ho will have to be tested and put in isolation. Some of her colleagues and about 100 employees who were on the same floor as her office will also be tested.

The four other cases were all imported. Three were returnees from India, Britain and France, while the fourth was a cargo plane pilot from Russia.

Chan and Yau announce the new measures (RTHK photo)

For the local tours, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Edward Yau, said agents will be required to list down the personal details of each tour member, check their temperature, and ensure they wear masks all the time.

 

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Yau said agents who breach the rules could lose their license.

He dismissed suggestions this step would encourage more people to gather in pubic, saying many people are already out and about as the local outbreak eases.

But existing restrictions such as limited seating in bars and restaurants will continue.

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Dr Chan explained, "We still don't want to see crowds gathering... but the risks involving tour groups are manageable as the exemptions come with conditions.”

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Call-up for HKID replacements next month for those born ‘70-‘72

 By The SUN

Smart ID card replacement is done in phases, according to years of birth

The Immigration Department has announced that Hong Kong residents born in 1970, 1971 or 1972 should apply for new smart identity cards between Nov. 2 this year to Apr 30, 2021.

Currently, those born in 1962 or 1963 should have their HKID cards replaced if they haven’t done so yet. The last day for their call-up period is Jan 30, 2021. Those who have not yet applied for a new smart identity card should do so as early as possible.

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All applicants must go to a Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre during their call-up period after making an appointment via www.gov.hk/newicbooking, or the 24-hour hotline, 2121 1234. The replacement centers are open Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 10pm (except public holidays). The complete list of the centers can be found here: https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202010/19/P2020101900495_351973_1_1603090484610.pdf

To download the mobile application or to make an appointment booking via the Internet, please scan the QR codes here:  https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202010/19/P2020101900495_351974_1_1603090484616.pdf

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Applicants are requested to fill up the application form before going for their appointments to enjoy faster service. They should also bring their old HKID card.

If eligible Hong Kong residents are absent from Hong Kong during their call-up period, they can apply within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.  

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The territory-wide ID card replacement exercise covers all Hong Kong residents, whether they are permanent residents or non-permanent residents taking up employment, investment, residence or study in Hong Kong.
  
A caring arrangement is being implemented under this scheme, in which each eligible applicant for identity card replacement may bring along up to two persons with disabilities, in addition to two family members or friends aged 65 or above, to replace their ID cards together.

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The details of the scheme can be accessed through the website www.smartid.gov.hk or call the enquiry hotline 2824 6111.

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Employer raises funds, gets travel escorts for comatose OFW

By Daisy CL Mandap 

Candy with her 3 kids who rely on her for support (from gofundme post)

A Hong Kong employer has turned to social media to appeal for help in looking for travel escorts for her Filipina domestic worker who is comatose in hospital after suffering a stroke, but whose family wants her back home in the Philippines.

Just days after Lewin Li posted the appeal on a Facebook site, two Filipina domestic workers have reportedly volunteered to accompany the helper, Candy, on her planned flight to Manila on Oct 26, 7pm, via Cathay Pacific.

In reply to an inquiry through messenger today, Oct 19, Li said: “We don’t need (another) one as now. Just waiting for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) to confirm their arrangement of the Hong Kong ambulance and Cathay to formally approve our booking.”

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Li began her difficult campaign to get 37-year-old Candy back home to her three young children, shortly after the helper suffered a massive stroke on Aug 24, which left her comatose and fighting for her life at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital.

In a post that accompanied an online funding campaign she set up for Candy on Aug 27 (https://support.gofundme.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=360000288632), Li said the helper’s children wanted to see their mother again.

“Doctors said there is over 50% chance she may be in vegetative state even if she lives,” said Li in her post.  “Her children are desperate to see their mother and hear from her again (she used to FaceTime them every night before bedtime).  We are clinging on to any hope we can find.”

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Though Candy had worked for her family for just five months, Li said the Filipina had made a tremendous impact on them because of her “big, pure and loving heart.”

Li added, “Our son adores her and misses her tremendously.  He looks for her all the time.  We really wish a miracle can happen to her and her loved ones.”

But getting Candy back home to her children proved to be an almost insurmountable task.

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With help from Candy’s cousins, Li got in touch with the Philippine Consulate, hoping to get help in transporting her back home. But in an updated post on Oct 13, Li said “the process has been very slow and unclear.”

The Consulate, said Li, believed Cathay would not agree to have Candy on board without any nurse escort.

“Such nurse escort is normally provided by the Ph Consulate but they can no longer do so due to COVID-19 and all medical frontline staff are not allowed to leave the country, and now they’re expecting us to fork out US$70,000 for it. It’s been frustrating, to say the least,” she said in her post.

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Undaunted, Li contacted Cathay directly, and learned Candy could be taken on board if there were two able-bodied adults who could fly with her, and sit in the same cabin as her.

Li's heart-rending appeal for travel escorts for Candy

Li wasted no time issuing an appeal to those who could fly home with her sick helper.

In her post, Li described Candy as completely bedridden and required only tube feeding. But because of the short flight to Manila, it was unlikely she would even need to be fed.

With this challenge almost hurdled, Li turned to working on her mission to raise up to US$25,000 to provide for the helper’s future needs, as well as those of her children, aged 14, 11, and 7 years old.

As of this writing, a total of US$23,123 has already been raised through the funding platform.

Li said in her latest post that US$3,100 of the money will be used to buy a piece of land for Candy and her three children, US$6,200 to build them a 300 sq ft house, around US$1,500 in fees (legal, architecture, and transactions), and the rest (<US$10,000) will be used to purchase hospital bed, wheelchair, tube feeding equipment, medicine, and other life support equipment for Candy.

Any money left would be allocated evenly among the three children for their daily needs or education.

So far, Li said money had been withdrawn from the fund to pay for a deposit on the planned house for Candy and her children, even if doctors say it is likely the young mother will remain in coma for the rest of her life.

“Please continue to support Candy and her family,” Li appealed.

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Pinay, Indon among 15 new cases; DoH ‘sorry’ for Indian’s quarantine exemption

By Vir B. Lumicao 

The two FDHs both tested on arrival at HK aiport

A Filipina and Indonesian female helpers aged 48 and 29 were among 14 imported cases and one local case that Hong Kong health officials confirmed today, Oct 19. They brought to 5,257 the total number of coronavirus patients here so far.

The Department of Health, meanwhile, apologized to the public for an incident in which it granted quarantine exemption to an Indian Consulate staff who arrived from New Delhi on Oct 15 and was later found to be positive of Covid-19.

A Centre for Health Protection spokesman said the man, 25, had a negative result from an Indian laboratory recognized by the local government before his flight to Hong Kong.

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Upon arrival, he gave proof that he was a consular staff in Hong Kong, so CHP staff arranged quarantine exemption for him. He then went to the airport testing center where his deep-throat saliva sample was collected.

Afterwards, a car arranged by the consulate drove him home for his 14-day medical surveillance. But when he tested preliminary positive the next day, the CHP immediately moved him to a public hospital.

The CHP was later informed by another government department that the man’s rank did not qualify him for exemption from the compulsory quarantine requirements. This prompted the Health Department’s apology.

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Meanwhile, a CHP spokesman said all of today’s patients were asymptomatic of the virus and were being treated in public hospitals.

The spokesman could not tell whether the Filipina and Indonesian workers were returning from vacation in their respective countries or new hires joining their employers.

He said the Filipina arrived on Saturday on Cathay Pacific Flight CX906 from Manila while the Indonesian flew in Sunday on Cathay Flight CX798 from Jakarta.

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Among today’s patients were a 38-year-old male passenger and a 39-year-old female who arrived Sunday on Air India Flight AI314 from Delhi, and a 50-year-old woman who flew in from Delhi on Oct 5.

Two male passengers aged 41 and 26 who arrived on a Cathay flight from London on Sunday also tested positive.

A UPS Flight 64 cargo crew who arrived Saturday from the US, an AirBridge Cargo flight crew that landed from Kazakhstan and Sunday, an Aeroflot airliner crew who flew in from Moscow on Sunday were also found infected.

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Another man from Russia who arrived on Oct 8 and was staying in quarantine on Lamma Island tested positive today, the spokesman said.

The other imported cases were two males aged 34 and 35 who arrived from Istanbul on Saturday, as well as a woman aged 59 who arrived from Spain on Oct 4.

The lone local case was a 21-year-old woman who was linked to an earlier confirmed case from the Royal Garden cluster a week ago.

Hong Kong’s public hospitals released nine patients in the last 24 hours, bringing to 4,982 the number of those with confirmed or probable cases who were released.

A total of 127 confirmed patients are still being treated in 18 public hospitals, among whom 12 are in critical condition, five in serious condition and 110 in stable condition.

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Young OFW’s remains cremated as her death remains a mystery

By Daisy CL Mandap 

Final prayers are said before Andrelyn's casket was rolled into the crematorium

“Andrelyn was the best.” This was part of the short eulogy given by the employer of 28-year-old Andrelyn P. Onera, whose remains were cremated Sunday, Oct 18 at the Cape Collinson crematorium.

Onera was found lifeless in a swimming pool in Laguna City, the estate where her employers live, on Sept 20. She was rushed comatose to United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong and passed away three days later without regaining consciousness.

The exact cause of her death is still being investigated.

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The employer, Leo Liu, recalled how Onera endeared herself to his family, especially to his young daughter, because of her caring ways.

He also expressed admiration at how the young foreign domestic worker and single mother would save up much of her salary so she could support her son, mother and siblings back in the Philippines.

Liu recalls Andrelyn's caring nature and the sacrifices she made for her family

About 50 of Onera’s friends and fellow overseas Filipino workers had earlier gathered at United Christian Hospital for a final viewing of her body and a short mass said by Filipino chaplain, Fr Jay Flandez.

In his homily, Fr. Flandez said the gathering was not just to thank God for the “gift of life for Andrelyn”, but also as a reminder to everyone to support each other as members of the Christian community.

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After the blessing, those who paid their final respects were bused to Cape Collinson for the cremation, which was preceded by more prayers and a short program where Onera’s aunt, Mayel Oroceo, who also works as domestic helper in Hong Kong, thanked everyone for coming.

Mourners led by Oroceo (foreground) during mass said by Fr Flandez outside the mortuary 

A recorded video message from Onera’s younger sister, Jenny Mae Bandillon, was played as mourners placed white roses on the coffin before it was finally rolled away into the crematorium.

An autopsy was earlier carried out on Onera’s body after doctors were unable to determine the exact cause of her death.

According to her employer, doctors said they saw no signs that the young OFW had struggled while in the water, indicating she did not drown. There were no marks in her body, either, meaning she did not injure herself, and fell into the water, as was initially believed.

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The employer had told investigators Onera was on her day off on the day of the incident, but had asked for permission to go swimming in the estate’s swimming pool shortly after lunch. At about half past 3 in the afternoon, the police had come knocking on their door to report that Onera was found lifeless in the pool.

The victim’s family and friends were also puzzled by her death, as Onera had no known ailment, and was physically active, often going on hikes or swimming in the sea during her days off.

Many had also raised questions as to how she was not saved in time, as she was swimming in a pool where there was a lifeguard on duty, and where presumably, there were other people around.

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Bandillon also asked if there were no CCTVs in the pool area that could help explain how her sister ended up in the water.

Police who were called to the scene initially classified the case as “drowning.” A spokeswoman said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Onera’s death, but they were still investigating.

To find answers to their questions, Bandillon wrote to Consul General Raly Tejada to ask for help in getting a full report on the police investigation. They should be able to get this once the autopsy results are known.

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Depending on the outcome of the police investigation, the Coroner could decide if a further inquiry should be conducted through an inquest, where witnesses would be called to determine the cause of death.

Doctors say the young and pretty Andrelyn could not have drowned

Until then, the reason for the tragedy that befell Onera could not be known.

The outcome could also determine how much her family should receive from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration as compensation for her death.

Death through natural causes entitles the victim’s immediate survivors to Php100,000, and double that if the cause of death is accident. There is an additional Php20,000 in death benefits.

But as her death happened on her day-off, the employee compensation paid under Hong Kong’;s labour laws in cases of work-related deaths could not be awarded to her next-of-kin.

Still, her employer said Onera’s family could still receive the proceeds from the personal accident clause in their FDH insurance. In most insurance policies with this provision, the payout is $200,000.

Onera first started working in Hong Kong in 2015, but had been with her current employer for just eight months.

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