DH shuts down illegal sale of obesity, heart medicines

The Department of Health (DH) has shut down the operations of a woman suspected of selling anti-obesity and heart medicines illegally, and warned residents not to buy drugs unregistered in Hong Kong and which are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.

The DH carried out a raid with the Police today in Tin Shui Wai district, arresting a 43-year-old woman after purchasing, via an instant messaging application, controlled medicines which included a box of  injections labelled as containing tirzepatide, and 10 tablets labelled as containing frusemide.

Tirzepatide is used for the treatment of obesity, and its side effects include hair loss, nausea and diarrhea. Frusemide is used for the treatment of heart diseases, and its side effects include low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance.

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Medicines containing tirzepatide and frusemide should be used under a doctor's direction and must be supplied on the premises of a licensed pharmacy.

“Purchasing controlled medicines (including slimming drugs) online poses health risks,” the DH said. “Besides the lack of a doctor's assessment of an individual's health condition, it is difficult to ascertain the legitimate source of the drugs. It is also impossible to know whether the drugs were properly stored during transportation (especially for drugs requiring cold-chain storage). This leaves their safety, quality and efficacy unguaranteed.”

The DH also reminds the public that selling medicines controlled under the PPO illegally, regardless of the sales channel (including online sales platforms, instant messaging applications or social media), carries criminal liability. The maximum penalty for each offense is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

According to the PPO, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Additionally, pharmaceutical products containing Part 1 poisons can only be sold at the registered premises of a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.

The DH reminds the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". 

We rest in tents because we have nowhere to go, say migrants

 

Camping tents on Chater Road were banned in 2017

Migrant workers’ coalition Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, has lashed back at complaints published in social media and mainstream media about migrant domestic workers camping out in tents at bus terminals, parks and other public areas during the holidays.

The reports came out after pictures of tents lined up at public places across the city were posted online, prompting suggestions they were used by mainland tourists who came in droves during the “golden week” holidays.

It turned out, migrant workers were the ones using the tents as their resting spaces, with many saying they had been driven out of parks where they used to spend their days off.

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In a statement, AMCB spokesperson Sheila Tebia- Bonifacio said migrant workers are forced to hang out in tents or on cardboard boxes on their days off because they have nowhere to go to rest their tired body and mind after six days of long and backbreaking work.

“Instead of viewing MDWs hanging out in public areas as a ‘public problem,’ shouldn’t the sending sending and host governments be asked what kind of services they are providing to the more than 340,000 MDWs who play such a vital role in taking care of the majority of Hong Kong families?”, said Bonifacio.

She cited a recent AMCB study that showed 70% of migrant workers (35 out of 50 respondents) are not provided their own room in their employers’ houses.

“So, it is not surprising that, despite the hot weather and uncomfortable resting places, MDWs stay in these areas because most of them do not have proper accommodation at their employers' houses,” Bonifacio added.

She called on the Hong Kong government to address the lack of proper accommodation for MDWs and provide them with dedicated resting places during Sundays and public holidays.

Bonifacio also claimed that discrimination has replaced the previously tolerant attitude of the Hong Kong government towards MDWs who use open public spaces to gather on their days off.

“While parks used to be open for domestic workers to hang out, now even sitting is gradually being banned, displacing MDWs from Chater Garden, the footbridges in Central, and other areas. MDWs have nowhere to go during the rest of the day, because we have no home in HK and are trapped in a mandatory live-in policy,” said Bonifacio.

Police dismantling cardboard 'rooms' off Chater Road during the pandemic

Because many migrant workers are forced to live with their employers in tiny flats where they are not given their own rooms, they are left with no choice but to stay outdoors, where a tent of a makeshift cardboard shelter is all they could use to give them privacy and protection from the weather, said Bonifacio.

A Filipino educator who recently came to Hong Kong to conduct a research on long-distance parenting by migrant women, supported AMCB’s call for a rethink of how Hong Kong could provide suitable rest spaces for migrant workers, especially during Sundays and public holidays.

In a Facebook post, Bit Wanas suggested that the Hong Kong government, in consultation with community and migrant organizations, identify more suitable resting areas for migrant workers during these days.

“These may be shaded, accessible areas with seating, toilets, drinking water, and proper waste facilities. Such spaces need not be extravagant. They only need to recognize that rest requires more than permission. It requires place,”said Wanas.

On top of these, she suggested the government revisit how the living conditions inside employers’ homes are monitored in terms of privacy, suitable accommodation and humane working conditions.

She also advocated for strengthening support for shelter and migrant help centers, saying their experiences could help policymakers better understand the kind of assistance needed by migrant workers before something untoward happens.

 

 

 

 

Campaign focuses on promoting handwashing

 

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) launched today a year-long campaign to promote handwashing to safeguard community health.

“International studies show that keeping hands clean can not only prevent the transmission of up to 80 per cent of drug-resistant bacteria (pathogenic bacteria) in hospitals, but also prevent approximately 30 per cent of diarrhea-related illnesses and about 20 per cent of respiratory infections,” according to CHP Controller Dr Edwin Tsui.

The launch was in support of World Hand Hygiene Day, promulgated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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The campaign promotes the seven steps of hand hygiene: thoroughly rubbing the palms, backs of hands, finger webs, backs of fingers, thumbs, fingertips, and wrists for at least 20 seconds to ensure thorough cleaning.

“Under the slogan 'Clean Hands Bring Health', the CHP's campaign this year will feature a step-by-step flowchart and reminder stickers on hand hygiene, or promotional videos at over 2 200 locations throughout Hong Kong, including public and private hospitals, government clinics, District Health Centres, residential care homes for the elderly, elderly service units under the Social Welfare Department (SWD), public markets, and cooked food markets.

The CHP also collaborated with various stakeholders, including the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the SWD, to build a hand hygiene-friendly environment and disseminate health messages about hand hygiene to the community, building upon the provision of hand hygiene facilities by these institutions.

CHP said people should clean their hands promptly at the following moments to prevent the spread of diseases:

• Before and after touching one's eyes, nose, or mouth;
• Before eating or preparing food;
• After using the toilet;
• After hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions (such as after coughing or sneezing);
• After changing diapers for children or the sick, or handling soiled items;
• After touching animals, poultry, or their droppings;
• After handling garbage;
• After touching public installations or equipment (such as escalator handrails, elevator buttons, or door handles);
• Before and after visiting hospitals, residential care homes, or caring for the sick; and
• Whenever hands are visibly dirty.

Unlicensed tour guide arrested for illegal work

 

The arrested tour guide advertised his services on social media

Operatives from the Immigration Department (ID) and the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) have been conducting covert operations as part of their crackdown on illegal workers providing tour escort services around Hong Kong.

In one such operation, a 27-year-old male from the Mainland was arrested on suspicion of acting as an illegal tour guide.

Immigration said the suspect was arrested after he advertised his tour guide and escort services on social media. Officers disguised as customers enquired about, and booked services from the suspect.

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Following his arrest, Immigration said it would consider prosecuting him for breach of condition of stay.

Immigration has widened its anti illegal work operations lately by cracking down on tourists who offer services, from photography and makeup, usually through social media.

It reiterates that tourists who engage in any work in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, violate their condition of stay and could be liable to prosecution. If convicted, they face a maximum jail term or three years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$50,000.

Recently, the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong aired the same warning, reminding Filipinos who come in as tourist that they are violating immigration laws by engaging in commercial activities, like selling condominium units, insurance cover or investment products, even if these are located in the Philippines.

Those who offer professional services like lawyers and doctors not licensed in Hong Kong violate the same law.

Those who wish to report any illegal employment activities may call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.

Deadline for Presidential awards nominations extended to May 29

 

The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2026 Presidential Awards of Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) has been extended to May 29.

This is according to the Philippine Consulate General, which reiterated its invitation for Filipinos in Hong Kong to nominate outstanding Filipinos who have contributed to Philippine development initiatives or promoted the causes and interests of overseas Filipin communities.

There are four different categories for the biennial awards organized by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO):

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𝟏. 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐰𝐚 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 (𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐊𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐋) 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 - conferred on overseas Filipino individuals or organizations for their significant contributions to the development of a particular sector/local community in the Philippines.

𝟐. 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐚𝐠 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 - conferred on overseas Filipino individuals or organizations for their significant contributions in the host country that have benefited and advanced the cause and interest of the Filipino diaspora/overseas Filipino Community.

𝟑. 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 - conferred on overseas Filipino individuals who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

𝟒. 𝐊𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐛 𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 – conferred only for foreign individuals (natural-born) or foreign organizations for their significant contributions to Philippine development or a particular sector/local community in the country and for advancing the cause of the Filipino diaspora/overseas Filipino community.

All nominations for individuals and organizations based in Hong Kong must be submitted to the PCG in Hong Kong  (hongkong.pcg@dfa.gov.ph) for initial evaluation.

The AFIOO was created through Executive Order 498, signed by former President Corazon C. Aquino on Dec 19, 1991. The awards signify the government’s recognition of the important contributions of overseas Filipinos and other individual and organizations to national development efforts, and the promotion of the interests of Filipino communities worldwide.

From 1991 to 2024 the awards have been bestowed by seven presidents of the Republic of the Philippines to a total of 555 individuals and organizations based in 55 countries and territories worldwide.

For detailed guidelines on the nomination process for the 2026 PAFIOO check out its website: https://presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph/. Forms are available for 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 at https://presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph/forms-and-guide/.

For questions and other concerns, please contact the PAFIOO Secretariat through the email address 𝐩𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐨𝐨@𝐜𝐟𝐨.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐩𝐡.

For timely advisories and more information about the awards, follow the 𝐏𝐀𝐅𝐈𝐎𝐎 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞: http://www.facebook.com/gawadpangulo.

 

Jewelry theft lands DH in jail

Illustrative photo created with deevid.ai

Stealing 11 pieces of jewelry has brought a Filipino domestic helper 10 months imprisonment.

Ritchan De Guzman, 35 years old, pleaded guilty today to theft, contrary to section 9 of Theft Ordinance, in a hearing at Tuen Mun Court.

Magistrate David Chum handed down the sentence after deducting the usual one-third discount from the starting sentence of 15 months, for the gulty plea.

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A police complaint said that between Sept. 12, 2025 and Feb. 7, 2026, she stole three gold necklaces, one gold bangle, one gold bracelet, five pairs of earrings and one white gold coin, the properties of male Lee Wang-yan.

The theft took place at the employer’s flat at Oi Tao House, Tin Oi Court, on Tin Shui Road, Tin Shui Wai, New Territories. 

Consulate warns tourists against doing illegal work

 

Selling properties, insurance plans or investment products by tourists are all illegal in Hong Kong, warns the Philippine Consulate General.

The same goes for rendering professional advice, whether paid or unpaid, unless granted permission by the Immigration Department.

This was contained in an advisory from last March which was reposted today on the Facebook page of the PCG.

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“Tourists (who) engage in any paid activity, solicit business opportunities (e.g. selling of condominium units, investments, or insurance policies) or buying commercial interest in any business) or practice their profession (e.g. issuing legal advice or administering medical care) may be prosecuted under the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance for Breach of Condition of Stay,” said the PCG in its advisory.

“Offenders shall be liable to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and a maximum imprisonment for 2 years.”

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Since Hong Kong reopened to tourists after the pandemic, there has been a noticeable effort by agents for even high-end property developers in the Philippines to target prospective buyers in Hong Kong, including migrant domestic workers.

Some investment or insurance companies even designate MDWs to act as their direct-marketing agents, in violation of their visa conditions.

PCG says tourists should not exit to Macau repeatedly as they could be barred from re-entering HK

In the advisory, the PCG reminded tourists against repeatedly shuttling to and from Hong Kong and Macau as this activity could be considered inconsistent with the 14-day visa-free entry allowed visitors here, strictly for tourism purposes only.

The warning comes amid an intensified campaign by Immigration to stamp out illegal work. Weekly raids are carried out by a multi-agency task force that focuses on violations of the condition of stay given to tourists and other people allowed temporary stay in Hong Kong.

In the past few months the campaign has extended to tourists and even MDWs offering photography, make-up, manicure or dental services for a fee. A number of arrests has been made, and offenders have in most cases, been sentenced to prison terms.

Happy ending for OFW who lost job after Tai Po fire

 

The calm after the storm: Jonalyn can now smile again (MFMW photo)

After working for 10 years for an elderly Chinese lady, Filipino domestic worker Jonalyn received a double whammy a few months ago.

Her employer’s flat in Tai Po was among those charred by a deadly fire that killed dozens of people in November last year. Jonalyn managed to lead her 94-year-old employer to safety but the experience left her traumatized.

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Then a second blow came: her employer’s daughter told Jonalyn about two months later that her services were no longer needed.

Though nothing derogatory was said about her work, the parting of ways with the popo she had come to regard as her second mother left Jonalyn with a deep sense of loss, even guilt.

Was her decade-long service not satisfactory? Did she let the kind elderly woman down?

The thought of being separated from her 'popo'still makes Jonalyn sad

Luckily, she found her way to the Mission for Migrant Workers and its shelter, the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge.

There, her doubts were finally put to rest. With their help, she also found an employer who did not hesitate to take her in, and even allowed her to take a much-delayed trip back home so she could reunite with her daughter.

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In a recent interview with The SUN contributor, Jody Castaneto, Jonalyn tells the story of how the Tai Po fire turned her life upside down, and how she eventually found the strength to let go, and move on.

Here's the link: https://youtu.be/w_1OW8G21ag?si=dY-oW9IJbBiEDi2T

 

Filipino ex- Bethune clients form 'alumni' association

 

Participants in the founding assembly pose for pictures after the first BHFAA officers were elected

There was an abundance of both laughter and tears, as about 50  Filipino former clients or residents of  Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge gathered on Sunday, Apr 26, at the Polytechnic University to form their first ever “alumni association”.

Many of those who attended gave teary-eyed testimonies about how the shelter helped them get back on their feet during a time of despair, and how they intend to use the newly formed group to give back, and pay forward.

Elected as the first officers of the newly formed Bethune House Filipino Alumni Association whose charter was approved on the same day, were: Mylene Mago, chairperson; Nemia Cabradilla, vice-chair; Romella Echevarria, secretary; Rizala Oyan, treasurer; and Leah Defredo, auditor.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

They took their oath of office before Bethune House executive director Edwina Antonio, who earlier assured migrant workers of the shelter’s commitment to helping them speak for justice and ensure they get the respect that they deserve.

Among those who spoke at the general assembly were victims of last year’s deadly fire in Tai Po, who were not only sheltered by Bethune House, but were also provided with much-needed psychological counselling and even material needs.

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One of them, Vame, spoke emotionally of how the staff and volunteers at Bethune House have inspired distressed migrant workers like her with their dedication and concern.

Another former resident, Edith, shared show Bethune House provided her with all the help and support she needed after being diagnosed with stage 2 cancer. In the seven months that she was at the shelter, she said she learned about her rights while being immersed in social activities that enriched her life.

Antonio (foreground, in brown) administers the oath to the new officers

Speaking at the founding meeting, Antonio recalled how the shelter was founded nearly four decades ago, after a pastor offered space at the Kowloon Union Church in Jordan.

Since then, Bethune House has helped thousands of domestic workers in distress, from those facing legal cases to those afflicted with serious ailments and needed a place to stay so they could continue their treatment in Hong Kong. 

It has also opened a second shelter in Sheung Wan, which allows it to house up to 40 residents in both facilities at any given time.

Among those cared for by Bethune House were the victims in some of the most horrific cases of domestic workers being abused by their employers, including Indonesians Erwiana Sulisyaningsih and Kartika. Both succeeded eventually in putting their tormentors behind bars, with help from the shelter and its mother organization, the Mission for Migrant Workers.

Antonio urged members of the newly formed support group to continue spreading Bethune House’s commitment to helping, and protecting, the rights and welfare of migrant women.

“Let’s reach out to the next woman in distress,” she urged.

Among those who joined the general assembly and gave solidarity messages were leaders of various migrant workers organizations like Unifil-Migrante Hong Kong, Mission Movers, Gabriela HK, Bayan HK and Macau; as well as The SUN.

Prof. Lydia Catedral of Polytechnic University gave the welcome remarks.

Pinoy faces arrest for being absent in court

 

Neighborhood where gambling den is located (Google Maps photo)

A Filipino facing a charge of managing an illegal gambling establishment is now being sought by police after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Kowloon City Court for being absent from a hearing.

Ray Onate Jr., 37 years old and listed as unemployed, was charged with violation of section 5(b) of the Gambling Ordinance after being arrested last March 18 for managing a gambling establishment at 1/F, 140 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

The offense prescribes a penalty of a fine of $5,000,000 and imprisonment for 2 years on summary conviction or a fine of $5,000,000 and to imprisonment for 7 years on conviction on indictment.

After his case was called and court personnel failed to find him inside and outside the court last Thursday (April 30), Acting Principal Magistrate Peony Wong issued a warrant for his arrest.

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His co-defendant, Cindy Salvan, who faces a charge of gambling in the unlicensed establishment contrary to section 6 of the Gambling Ordinance, and another for breach of condition of stay for overstaying from Aug. 18, 2025 to last March 18, was remanded in custody.

Onate and Salvan were among the 12 people of different nationalities who were charged with illegal gambling after being arrested in a police raid on March 18.

The Ordinance’s Section 6 says any person who gambles in a gambling establishment commits an offense and is liable on first conviction to a fine at level 3 ($10,000) and to imprisonment for 3 months; on second conviction to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and to imprisonment for 6 months; and on third or subsequent conviction to a fine at level 5 ($5,000) and to imprisonment for 9 months.

Magistrate Wong adjourned the case to May 4.

Migrant workers stage protests to mark Labor Day in HK

 

Migrant workers from various countries joined the first May Day protest in HK in 6 years

Migrant organizations under the banner of the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body marked International Labor Day by holding its first rally in six years outside the Central Government Offices in Central to renew calls for better pay and working conditions.

Separately, Filipino migrants led by United Filipinos (Migrante) in Hong Kong and Bayan Hong Kong and Macau picketed the Philippine Consulate offices in Admiralty to urge for a higher minimum wage for local workers and more job opportunities to stem the flow of migration.

Unifil-Migrante urged better working conditions for Filipinos at Consulate protest

AMCB said that after three decades of fighting for migrant domestic workers’ rights in Hong Kong, it has seen no significant improvement to their working conditions. In fact, in most key areas identified as crucial to improving the lives of MDWs, the change has been for the worse.

The group said that a consultation session it organized on April 26 involving 50 people, 20 of whom represented migrant organizations, it emerged that MDWs now work longer hours, are not given enough time to rest on their days off, share rest spaces with members of their employer’s families, are earning far less than a living wage, and still pay exorbitant fees to land jobs abroad.

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On the issue of long work hours, AMCB said more than half of the MDWs surveyed, or 64%, said they work from 18-20 hours per day, even longer than the 16 hours that many migrant support groups had condemned in the past. Some of the workers reportedly wake up at 5:45am and work until 1am the next day.

An overwhelming majority, or 80%, said they are made to work before and after their days-off. Some said they could only leave their employer’s house at around 10am, and are told to return by 7pm.

As regards accommodation, 70% said they share a room with children or elderly members of the household, while the remaining 30% (15 out of 50) have their own room.

AMCB reiterates call for $6,172 minimum wage for migrant workers

While AMCB and other migrant groups have long campaigned for a living wage of at least HK$6,000 a month for MDWs, the current level is just over HK$5,000. Those who have been with their employers for around a decade still earn no more than HK$5,500.

Worse, said the AMCB, a worrying 6% are not even paid the minimum wage, citing fear of losing their job as the reason for not complaining.

On top of all these, said AMCB, employment agencies continue to charge high fees for recruiting domestic workers from overseas, with the current charge averaging from HK$13,000 to HK$30,000.

Another disturbing finding was that 3 out of the 50 respondents were still being made to do dangerous window cleaning, despite this being banned by the Hong Kong government since 2017 in the wake of a rise in the number of MDWs who fell from height while doing this chore.

Premature termination of contracts remains significant, with almost 16% (8 out of 50) of the respondents saying they were sacked within just 9 days to 4 months of their employment, and 6% after working for between 7 months to a year. In many of these cases said the AMCB, no clear or valid reason was given for the termination.

Given these findings, the AMCB reiterated calls for a ‘living wage’’for MDWs of no less than HK$6,712 a month and HK$3,123 food allowance.

They again demanded legislation that will mandate no less than a continuous 11-hour rest period between two consecutive days for MDWs, plus meal breaks; and define clearly what “suitable accommodation” and “decent food” in their contract mean.

As before, AMCB reiterated a review of the government’s long-standing policy on the live-in requirement for MDWs and the so-called two-week rule which mandates that they must leave Hong Kong within 14 days of their being terminated.

They also called for a crackdown on errant employment agencies, particularly those that charge exorbitant fees.

AMCB vowed that “until the Hong Kong government finally hears and resolves the issues that make workers suffer,” it will continue fighting for humane treatment for all workers in the city.

 

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.”

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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.

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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.