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The Immigration Department is very concerned about recent press reports that some foreign domestic helpers were underpaid. A spokesman for the department urged those domestic helpers who have been exploited to come forward to report their cases to the department.

"The minimum allowable wages for foreign domestic helpers are $3,860 for contracts signed before February 3, 1999 and $3,670 for those signed on or after that date," said the spokesman.

"Any person who makes or aids and abets others to make false representation to the department concerning the wages to be paid to foreign domestic helpers is liable to prosecution. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years," added the spokesman.

Complainants may call the Immigration Investigation hotline 2824 1551 or fax to 2824 1166.

End/Thursday, April 22, 1999

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