Philippine gov assisting arrested OFWs in HK

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has assured that the Philippine government is providing legal and welfare assistance to six overseas Filipino workers arrested in Hong Kong for alleged unapproved employment and other offenses.

The Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Migrant Workers Office, and DFA through the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong are coordinating to assist the detained workers.

The Philippine Consulate confirmed that the FDWs were detained by the Hong Kong Immigration Department for breach of stay conditions, including taking up unapproved employment and falsely claiming to be dentists.

During a raid on Aug. 17, Hong Kong authorities confiscated dental equipment used for various treatments and hinted at the possibility of more arrests as the investigation continues.

The Hong Kong Immigration Department reminded foreign domestic workers that they are prohibited from engaging in any work outside their employment contract, with penalties including fines up to USD50,000 and two years' imprisonment.

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan assured full coordination between Manila and relevant Hong Kong departments during the ongoing investigation.