A list of Hong Kong employment agencies accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to recruit Filipino workers is now available online again. This list can be accessed on the new website of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (polohk.org) launched on July 27.
Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre said on his Facebook page: “This is actually our website which is under construction, but we thought of putting out the list first to guide our community about the names, addresses and expiration dates of these agencies’ accreditation.”
De la Torre warned that agencies that are not accredited cannot process work contracts, while those that lend their names or “stamps” to unaccredited peers would be suspended.
“Our next step is to require these agencies to display a Certificate of Accreditation signed by us with the proper seals so that the status of an agency is immediately known to the transacting public,” he said, adding: “Please SHARE as much as you can.”
He said if an agency was later found to have committed an offense, Polo would take back the certificate.
The posting of the list came after Polo was swamped with complaints against local agencies victimizing job applicants for third countries and overcharging workers seeking employment in Hong Kong
In the past, the list of accredited agencies was also displayed in the POLO part of the Philippine Consulate website, but was inexplicably taken down a few years ago.
As of the latest count, there are about 360 accredited Hong Kong agencies. De la Torre has said he intends to keep the freeze on accreditation, as there are already more than enough agencies serving the needs of Filipino workers in Hong Kong.
Any of these agencies could be stripped of their accreditation if they are found to have committed prohibited acts such as charging recruitment and other illegal fees from a domestic worker, and forcing newly arrived workers to take out loans to pay for their placement.
The labor attaché said the suspended agencies would also be listed on the website, so that job applicants would be guided accordingly.
The posting of the list was received warmly in the community. Responses included suggestions for a section on the rights and privileges of OFWs, especially domestic workers; important contact numbers; and a corner for gripes against errant staff of the Consulate and POLO.
Others suggested a corner for success stories of OFWs and updates about the government’s reintegration program for returning OFWs.
Community leader Marites Palma proposed a section on the website where OFWs can report problems with their employers that require urgent action, as well as complaints against POLO staff who don’t act fast on workers’ cases.
Another suggested an online educational program for workers whose day off falls aon a weekday and are unable to attend Sunday programs organized by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Still another suggested the inclusion of links to POEA accredited agencies; TESDA online courses; OWWA reintegration program; Hong Kong Immigration; Labour Department; Social Welfare; NGOs such as PathFinders and Enrich HK; shelters for distressed workers and church organizations. - VBL
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