Stranded Pinay cries out for help

A Filipina domestic worker who was set to return to Hong Kong to take up a new job is seeking help after the employment agency who placed her told her that her employer had backed out just three days after her work visa was issued.

E.C. told The SUN that she paid Blessings Forever Employment Agency $8,000 for securing a new employer for her after she was terminated from her previous employment three months ago.

On June 6, Blessings reportedly sent E.C. a photocopy of her purported visa. But on June 9, just as the Filipina was preparing for her return to Hong Kong, the agency informed her that her employer, Liu Kwok Yan, had backed out. No reason was given.

E.C. did not know that about a month earlier, or on May 15, Blessings owner, Alice Tang was fined $4,000 by a court for operating the business without a licence.

But when a cousin checked E.C.’s records with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, it was revealed that Blessings had asked another agency with proper documentation, to “chop” the work contract.

E.C., who had looking forward to go back to work in Hong Kong, wants to find out how she could run after either her supposed employer, or the agency which should have already shut down after being fined for illegal operation.

She was told that she may not have any reason to go after the employer, who may have also paid the agency. However, she could file a complaint against Blessings with the Employment Agencies Administration, and hopefully recover the money she paid for her aborted placement.

E.C. now plans to return to Hong Kong to file a complaint. She says she hopes to convince Immigration to let her stay awhile so she could pursue her case, and maybe find another employer. - DCLM