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| Sentencing was made at Shatin court |
A Filipina found to have overstayed her visa was ordered jailed for 14 months at Shatin magistrates’ court on Friday, Nov. 8, after pleading guilty to breaching her condition of stay by working illegally.
Another Filipino who also admitted working illegally
while on a domestic helper’s visa was
sentenced to six weeks in jail, when he appeared in the same court.
They were among a group of people arrested on
November 6 during an anti-illegal work operation conducted by the Immigration Department.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
Another Filipino was arrested during the raids which
targeted restaurants and grocery shops on Hong Kong island, but has yet to
enter a plea.
Two of the Filipinos were arrested while reportedly working as movers of food ingredients, while the third was found to have worked as a dishwasher. The three are aged between 45 to 63.
Three employers suspected of employing the three
illegal workers were also arrested.
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
A statement issued by the Immigration Department
said its investigation into the case is continuing, and may make further
arrests.
"A helper should only perform domestic duties
for the employer specified in the contract. The helper should not take up any
other employment, including part-time domestic duties, with any other person.
The employer should not require or allow the helper to carry out any work for
any other person," the statement said.
It added a
breach of condition of stay by those holding valid but restricted visas, may
lead to the offender being sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison and $50,000
fine.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
The penalty goes up to three years in jail if the
offender is an overstayer, an illegal immigrant or is subject to a removal or
deportation order such as recognizance paper holders.
Employers can be jailed for up to 10 years and meted
a maximum fine of $500,000.
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