Unlicensed Agency in Fanling Convicted
THE Labour Department (LD) has reminded persons who plan to open an employment agency (EA) that they should have a proper license before they open shop.
The LD issued the reminder after a person was convicted at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts and fined $5,000 last month for operating an EA without a valid license.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by two foreign domestic workers in December 2015. They said the defendant was arranging job referrals for them and overcharging them in Fanling.
“Investigation revealed sufficient evidence that the person had operated an EA without a license. With the FDHs willing to act as prosecution witnesses, the LD then took out prosecution against the person,” a government statement said.
According to the law, all EAs must obtain a license issued by the LD “before undertaking any EA activities.”
This is the eighth conviction secured against employment agencies for overcharging or unlicensed operation.
The other seven EAs that were convicted earlier were Marks Domestic Helper Agency Limited, Ka Ying Employment Agency, Enoch Employment Agency, Gold Union Employment Agency, Jen’s Employment Agency Limited, Ursula Advanced Employment Center and Tamas Employment Agency.
(Source: HongKongNews.com.hk)