New anti-illegal worker operations net 19

 

ImmD photo shows suspected illegal workers arrested during an operation

Another 19 persons were arrested during anti-illegal worker operations mounted by the Immigration Department and Hong Kong Police on October 7 to 9.

Those arrested in the operations consisted of 15 suspected illegal workers, two suspected employers and two overstayers.

Immigration Task Force officers raided 12 target locations including premises under renovation and residential buildings, arresting six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer. 

One woman was the holder of recognizance form, which prohibits her from taking any employment. One man, aged 42, was suspected of employing the illegal workers and was also arrested.

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The joint operations with Police raided 40 target locations in the New Territories North region, resulting in the arrest of nine suspected illegal workers, one suspected employer and two overstayers who held recognizance forms. 

Two women, aged 34 and 56, were in possession of forged Hong Kong identity cards.

One man, aged 41, was arrested for employing illegal workers.      

In a press statement, Immigration said it is illegal for visitors and those with a condition of stay that to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration.

“Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties,” it added.

 Immigration also said “an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business.

“Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment,” it said.

“Under the prevailing laws, it is an offense to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years' imprisonment," Immigration said.

 The penalties are higher for those who employ people who are not lawfully employable.

“Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences,” ImmD said.

“The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence,” it added. 

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Drunken assault brings Filipino 2-month jail term

 

Place where alleged offense happened

A drunken assault on a newspaper vendor in Central has brought an unemployed Filipino a two-month jail sentence.

Principal Magistrate Don So handed down the sentence today on J. Dagohoy, 37 years old, at Eastern Court as a result of his guilty plea last Sept. 20.

Dagohoy was originally charged with common assault, to which he pleaded not guilty.

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But he reversed his plea and averted what was scheduled as a pre-trial review scheduled for that day after the charge was changed to “inflicting grievous bodily harm.”

The charge arose from an altercation last March 9 between Dagohoy, who was drunk at the time and causing a commotion, and a local man named Cheung Chun Yu, who operated a newspaper stand in front of the Bangkok Bank building on Des Voeux Road Central.

The fight left Cheung, who allegedly pushed Dagohoy away from his store and was punched in return, with a minor cut on the face.

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TLR group holds one-day volleyball league to raise funds for Bethune House

 

Poster for tomorrow's volleyball league

The Filipino workers’ group, “Tulong, Laban, Respeto” will hold a one-day volleyball league tomorrow, Oct. 11, at Victoria Court, Causeway Bay, starting at 8am, for the benefit of Bethune House Migrant Women's Refuge.

TLR says the charity tournament is open to all groups, as long as they show up early at the venue to register.

To soothe those tired, achy bodies, the United Migrants Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Association (UMELA) will provide free massage to participants.

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A free blood pressure and blood sugar taking will also be provided by the Alyansa ng Magulang group.

TLR Coach Bhebs Leonardo says all volleyball groups or Filipino domestic workers who want to play volleyball could approach her or president Annie at the numbers provided in the poster.

They are holding the day-long tournament in response to an urgent appeal for financial help of Bethune House, which says it is in danger of closing down if it is unable to raise $1 million by the end of the year.

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Case of $1M theft from financing firm elevated to District Court

 

The alleged theft was committed on the 22nd floor of this Central building

The $1 million theft case against a Filipina accused of stealing cash from a financing company was elevated to the District Court today.

May Ann Destajo, 36 years old, remained in jail custody as documents in the case were bundled for review and formal transfer from the Eastern Court.

Principal Magistrate Don So adjourned the case to Nov. 6.

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Destajo, whose occupation was originally listed as receptionist, was accused of stealing $1,068,848 from Pacific Ace Finance Ltd., which is based at Wing On House in Central, from August 2020 to July 2023.

In later hearings, she was identified as a cashier during the three years that she was alleged to have stolen the cash.

Last May 23, a day after the Central Police filed the theft case against her, her lawyer offered a cash bail of $10,000, along with the promise to report to the Police regularly and not leave Hong Kong while the case was pending.

But Magistrate Minnie Wat rejected the offer, citing the seriousness of the offense, the breach of trust and the strength of evidence against the defendant.

Since that hearing, Destajo has remained in detention.

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Mission for Migrant Workers to hold charity walk this Sunday

 

Walk and win, says this poster for MFMWs charity walk this year

The Mission for Migrant Workers will hold its annual charity walk this Sunday, Oct. 13, with the goal of raising $300,000 to fund its various services to migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.

The charity event which is also aimed at promoting inclusion, understanding and mutual respect between migrant domestic workers and other members of the community, will start with a gathering of participants at 11am at the St John’s Cathedral on Garden Road, before doing the short walk to the Peak.

All those taking part are enjoined to turn over the funds they raised at the registration table by 10:45am on the event day, so they can participate in the "Top Fundraising Award" which will highlight this year’s event.

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However, donations for the charity walk will continue to be welcomed until Oct 31.

After  the walk there will be a closing ceremony featuring cultural performances and the awarding of prizes, to be held from 1pm to 2pm at Li Hall of St John’s Cathedral.

Donors may also send cash to MFMW by FPS Transfer:   Mobile Number  +852 9144 3744 （MFMW Limited）, or https://donorbox.org/mfmw-charity-walk-2024-1 

To attain its target goal fund for this year,  walkers are encouraged to look for sponsors, and get as many of their fellow migrant domestic workers to join the charity walk. 

Each participant MDW or their sponsor will be asked to donate $50, while non-migrants are enjoined to give at least $200 each.

Last year was the first charity walk to be held by MFMW since the pandemic  struck in 2020.

Exercise is good for elderly people with dementia, the participants are told

Meanwhile, the MFMW successfully completed yet another  training session for migrant workers last Sunday, Sept. 22.

About 20 workers took part in the training on caring for the elderly with dementia, with emphasis on providing for their special needs in terms of diet, exercise and emotional support.

The training was organized by MFMW in cooperation with the Hong Kong Sheung Kung Hui Welfare Council.

The Mission which was founded more than 40 years ago, is the longest-serving migrant support organization in Hong Kong. It provides counseling, legal help and support, and even shelter to migrant workers in distress or in need.

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Ex-DH jailed 2 months for overstaying, working illegally

 

Building where Filipina was caught working illegally

A domestic helper who remained in Hong Kong after her contract expired, was jailed for two months today after she pleaded guilty at Eastern Court not just to overstaying for three years but also for working while in that status.

Erlyn Fuego, 37 years old, was sentenced to two months for each of the two charges – overstaying in breach of a condition of stay imposed on her when she got her visa for her first job, and working as a domestic helper while in such breach.

Principal Magistrate Don So ordered the two sentences to run at the same time.

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A complaint filed by the Immigration Department said Fuego was arrested last Aug. 13 after she was discovered to have failed to leave Hong Kong when her contract expired on Sept. 12, 2021, as required by section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance.

The second charge arose from her taking employment in a flat at the Waterfront on Austin Road West in Kowloon, from Dec. 21, 2021 to April 13, 2024, while in breach of her limit of stay, in violation of section 38AA(1)(c) and 38AA(2) of the Immigration Ordinance.

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Police investigate spread of debt collection notices

 

 Bystander picks up one of the debt collection slips, each with a $10 bill attached

The police are investigating a strange case of dozens of debt collection notices, each with a real $10 bill attached, being scattered along Des Voeux Road Central yesterday afternoon.

According to the police, their attention was called to the incident when a 56-year-old man visited Central Police Station at about 4pm yesterday, Monday, bringing with him a pile of the notices which he reportedly found outside the Wing On Department Store in Sheung Wan.

In total, the man managed to collect 83 notices, each containing a $10 note, amounting to $830.

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Videos that started circulating online at about the same time showed a number of passersby stopping to pick up about 50 such notes near the corner with Cleverly Street,  and were amazed to see the attached $10 bill in each.

The notices contained personal details and photos of individuals allegedly with unpaid debts, alongside such phrases as “money borrowed and not repaid.”

It was not immediately clear if the persons named in the notices were locals or of other nationalities.

The police have classified the incident as a “request for assistance,” but said they are still investigating.

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Filipina DH accused of going on buying spree using stolen JoyYou card

 

A Filipina domestic helper appeared at Fan Ling Court today charged with eight counts of theft, six of them related to her using an Octopus card that was among several items she allegedly stole in the first case.  

Acting Principal Magistrate David Cheung adjourned the hearing to Nov. 4 to give Beverly Fernandez, 29 years old, time to deny or plead guilty to the charges of violating section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

In the meantime, she was returned to jail custody.

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The first of the charges filed by Tai Po Police alleged that Fernandez stole a wallet containing a JoyYou Octopus card, cash amounting to $1,980 and a Hong Kong ID card at a 12^th floor flat in Sheung Shui last Aug.8.

On the same day, in the same flat, she also allegedly stole $3,500 from another member of the household.

Before the day was over, Fernandez was alleged to have committed six more thefts by using the stolen Octopus card for purchases that resulted in a “chose-in” action where Octopus Cards Ltd. became indebted to the registered card holder for the amounts in the purchases:

A $1.4 fare on the MTR Sha Tin Station.

A $22.5 purchase at the Circle K store in Wai Wah Centre in Shatin.

A $2 MTR fare at the Kowloon Tong station.

A $508 purchase at a Dr. Kong store in Festival Walk mall in Kowloon Tong.

And a $56 meal at a Pepper Lunch branch in Festival Walk.

Finally, the next day saw her pay a $2 MTR fare at the Kwun Tong Station, the police complaint alleged.

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Filipina DH arrested on suspicion of pouring hot water on dog

 

The injured dog was taken to the North Point Animal Street

A 35-year-old Filipina domestic worker who allegedly felt frustrated after being denied a request for leave was arrested early today in Chai Wan on suspicion that she had poured boiling water or a corrosive substance on her employer’s dog.

The 50-year-old employer surnamed Lai called the police after taking his 14-year-old Doberman Pinscher to the North Point Animal Street on Ching Wah Street, where a veterinarian suggested the dog might have been mistreated.

The employer went to the vet yesterday, Sunday, after noticing some bald patches on his dog the night before.  On closer inspection he noticed blisters and some bloody sores on the dog’s skin.

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The vet at the pet hospital told the employer the blisters were the result of the dog having been doused with boiling water or corrosive liquid.

After hearing this, the employer immediately called the police. Following an inspection the police arrested the Filipina earlier today on suspected animal cruelty.

Anyone found guilty of committing the offence of animal cruelty faces up to three years in jail and a fine of $200,000.

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Final hearing of OVR-related applications to be held Oct 21

 

The notice of the hearing on Oct 21

The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong will hold its final hearing of applications relating to overseas voting registration on Oct. 21 at 4:30pm.

A total of 4,095 applications for registration, certification, transfer and reactivation of their voter’s record received by the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) in Hong Kong between  July 1 this year and the end of the registration period on Sept. 30, will be vetted during the hearing, which is normally uncontested. 

The RERB, chaired by Vice Consul Jose Angelo Manuel, previously conducted hearings on applications made from the start of the OV registration on Jan 12, 2022 and June 30 this year were heard in batches earlier.

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The total number of applications received in Hong Kong from those who intend to vote in next year’s mid-term election in the Philippines has yet to be disclosed, but Manuel says he expects a final registration tally of between 90,000 and 95,000, which is slightly higher than in the previous overseas vote.

In the final batch of election registrants, the biggest number came from the age group of between 30 to 39 years old with 1,452 applicants, followed closely by those aged 40 to 49 years old, with 1,021.

Surprisingly, there were four applicants aged 80 years old and above, two of them males and two females.

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Here is the full list of applicants for the period covered: 

https://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph/images/PR/Announcements/2024/LIST_OF_APPLICANTS-01July-30Sept2024.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawFuVi1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXrp3t87exhmHrnRn5O2NUALlW8FCUlN2Bw8echskWiyuTz2zME31gb8FA_aem_TqkmGfGbKNFk9TVq8-AsJA

Those who wish to oppose any of the applications have until 5pm of Oct 15, 2024 to file their oppositions.

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The hearing of the applications is open to the public, but prior confirmation of attendance is required, by calling 2823 8535 or by signing up with the link provided in the Consulate’s post.

All those who make it to the final list of overseas voters will have the chance to take part in the first-ever overseas internet voting system, which will allow them to cast their vote anywhere in the world, as long as they have internet connection.

Election officials hope this would encourage more Filipinos abroad to vote,  allowing them greater participation in choosing the country’s next officials.

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Warning after portable fan’s lithium battery causes fire

 

The lithium battery from a portable fan like this one fell and burst into flames inside an MTR train

The Consumer Council is warning the public to be careful when using gadgets powered by lithium or lithium-ion batteries, following last week’s fire inside an MTR train.

According to reports,  a portable fan’s lithium battery fell out of a passenger’s bag and caught fire, injuring a 26-year-old man sitting next to him.

Photos from the incident showed a man being escorted out of the train at Yau Tong MTR station on Wednesday morning, with the side of his shirt blackened.

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The police said the victim sustained minor injuries to his body and was treated at United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong.

Firemen were called at about 9am, a few minutes after the incident, but the fire was already out when they arrived.

But part of the carriage was said to have blackened by the fire. The burnt battery was found on the floor nearby.

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With portable fans becoming increasingly popular, especially with record high temperatures in Hong Kong and many parts of the world, experts are urging caution.

People are urged to only buy products that are government approved, and not the cheap ones sold on sidewalks or online platforms with dubious origins, as they usually come with low-quality lithium batteries that could cause fire from overheating or overcharging.

But even with better quality fans, people are advised not to use them for extended periods of time as they could overheat.

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The Consumer Council advises users to stop using any product, including mobile phones, when the lithium batteries inside become deformed or damaged, and cause the product to overheat. They should immediately unplug the charger and throw out the batteries.

Other signs that the battery could cause fire or damage the product are when they emit an unusual odor, start leaking or smoking, or fail to charge properly.

The Consumer Council also advises users not to place mobile phones or tablets under pillows or blankets, as this could cause overheating.

All electronic products should always be placed in a cool and dry place, and away from direct sunlight.

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Exodus Kings tops OFDA HK’s one-day basketball league

 

The 'Kings' show what it takes to be champions

Exodus Kings trounced El Oragon, 90-76, to take the championship in the one-day basketball league organized by the Overseas Filipino Drivers and Aspirants Hong Kong last Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Kam Shing Road playground in Kowloon Tong.

In third place was Ace City, while Utol Central took fourth.

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All the winners took home trophies courtesy of OFDA HK President Elmer Orilla while the “Mythical Five” composed of the star players in each team received medals.

Orilla (2nd from right) with the 'Mythical Five' and OFDA's 2 lady founders

Orilla said the basketball tournament is part of his group’s advocacy to unite all drivers in Hong Kong.

But the group’s Facebook page adds, “We welcome everyone to join our group. Let us always have a great time together and make OFDAHK our comfort zone.”

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As its name suggests OFDA HK welcomes not just licensed drivers, but also other domestic workers aspiring to pass the tough Hong Kong driving test.

That also means its membership is not limited to males, but also females. In fact, two women are credited by the group as having founded OFDAHK, Shine Sun and and Susan :

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An all-female volleyball team is also taking part in a tournament on Oct. 11, in hopes of bringing more glory to the group.

OFDAHK's volleyball team is set to play in tournament Sunday

Those who wish to join OFDAHK and take part in its activities aimed at promoting camaraderie and good health through sports may send a message to Orilla through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/942682887245777

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CHP renews call to be wary of dengue fever

 

Dengue is spread by the aedes mosquito.

The Hong Kong government has renewed its calls for people to be wary of dengue fever (DF) as new cases continued to increase, with the number for the last nine months exceeding the total for the whole of 2024.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health that with seven cases reported from the week of Sept. 27 to Oct. 3, there are now 77 reported in the past 10 months, compared with 62 for the whole of last year. Of the new cases, 73 are imported and only four are local.

At the same time, DF is raging in countries from where cases originated.

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“The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) compared to the same period last year,” CHP said.

In Indonesia, the top source of this year’s cases at 17 so far, reported 454,576 cases as of last July 15 against 114,720 last year, according to Indonesian Ministry of Health figures cited by a CHP report.

The biggest number of DF cases worldwide is Brazil, with 6,533,585 cases reported by is Ministry of Health as of Oct 1.

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CHP thus singles out travelers from these countries in its advisory.

"Apart from general measures, travelers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor," the CHP said.

The CHP also said it has issued a letter to doctors to enhance their alertness for DF cases.

As to the public, it issued the following advice on the control of mosquitos, which spread the disease:

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• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-colored long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service (https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup_dengue.html) , the latest Travel Health News (https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/outbreaknews/outbreaknews.html), tips for using insect repellents (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/38927.html), and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel).

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