Employment agency convicted of overcharging foreign domestic helpers
********************************************************************
In May 2016, the Employment Agencies Administration (EAA) of Labour Department (LD) received complaints from the two FDHs against Jen’s for being overcharged commission. Investigation revealed sufficient evidence that the agency had collected excessive placement fees from the two FDHs and thus LD took out prosecution against the agency.
"We are glad that the FDHs concerned were willing to come forward to report their cases to EAA and act as prosecution witnesses," a spokesman for LD said. "LD will not tolerate any employment agencies (EAs) overcharging jobseekers and will act promptly upon receipt of any complaints. Jobseekers who suspected themselves of being overcharged by EAs should report their cases to EAA as soon as possible and act as prosecution witness."
"According to the law, EAs are not allowed to collect from jobseekers any fees or charges other than the prescribed commission, with the maximum set at 10 per cent of the latter's first month's salary upon successful placement."
This is the ninth conviction under Part XII of the Employment Ordinance relating to overcharging or unlicensed operation this year and is also the second conviction against Jen’s for overcharging FDHs. The revocation of Jen’s licence is in process.
The other EAs that were convicted earlier are Marks Domestic Helper Agency Limited (located in Tsuen Wan), Ka Ying Employment Agency (located in Cheung Sha Wan), Enoch Employment Agency (located in Wan Chai), Gold Union Employment Agency (located in Fanling), Ursula Advanced Employment Center (located in Causeway Bay), Tamas Employment Agency (located in Tai Wai) and a person who operated an employment agency without licence in Fanling.
LD reminds EAs to operate in full compliance with the law at all times. Failure to do so may lead to prosecution and possible revocation of licences.
For enquiries or complaints about unlicensed operations or overcharging of commissions by EAs, please call EAA at 2115 3667 or visit its office on Unit 906, 9/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon.
Ends/Thursday, November 24, 2016
Issued at HKT 22:25
Issued at HKT 22:25
NNNN