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The Labour Department (LD) today (December 7) reminded operators of employment agencies (EAs)to conduct their business in compliance with the law as well as any practical guidance or advice issued by the LD from time to time, or they may risk their licences being revoked or refused to be renewed.
The LD refused to renew the licence of an EA named Tamas Employment Agency (Tamas) (located in Tai Wai) in July 2014. After considering all facts collected during investigation, including Tamas having acted against the LD's repeated advice not to assist in the collection of placement fees from foreign domestic helpers for overseas agents, the Commissioner for Labour, pursuant to the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57), decided to refuse to renew Tamas' licence on grounds that the licensee was considered not a fit and proper person for operating an EA. The operator concerned subsequently appealed to the Administrative Appeals Board (AAB) but the Commissioner's decision has been confirmed by the AAB.
"The LD takes all complaints against illegal or improper practices of EAs seriously. Under the Employment Ordinance, the Commissioner may refuse to issue or renew, or may revoke a licence of an EA if the EA operator has committed any offence under the Ordinance, or is considered not a fit and proper person to operate an EA," the LD spokesman said.
For enquiries or complaints on unlicensed operation or overcharging job-seekers' commission by EAs, please call the Employment Agencies Administration of the LD at 2852 3535, or visit its office at 12/F, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong.
Ends/Monday, December 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:08
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