Hong Kong to Introduce New Bill against Erring Employment Agencies

April 7, 2017POEA MARKET UPDATE NO. 01-17HONG KONG TO INTRODUCE NEW BILL AGAINST ERRING EMPLOYMENT AGENCIESThe Hong Kong Labor Department will introduce a bill amending the existing legislations governing the operations of employment agencies in Hong Kong. Under the proposed amendment bill, which will be introduced in the second quarter of the year, an erring employment agency will face imprisonment of up to three (3) years and fine of HK$350,000. According to Hong Kong Labor and Welfare Secretary Stephen Shui, the amendment bill will provide a legal basis for the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies, which was promulgated on 13 January 2017. The following are the salient legislative requirements and minimum standards for employment agencies under the Code of Practice:• Maintaining transparency in business operations• Drawing up service agreements with job seekers and employers• Providing payment receipts• Promoting job seekers' and employers' awareness of their rights and obligations (including provision of sample wage receipt to facilitate Foreign Domestic Helpers and their employers for record-keeping or perusal as when necessary)• Avoiding involvement in financial affairs...