HK employers who illegally fired OFWs will face charges, be blacklisted – envoy

Philippine Consul General in Hong Kong Raly Tejada answers questions from reporters on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 during an online briefing. (Screengrab)

MANILA, Philippines — Hong Kong employers who will be found to have illegally terminated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will “definitely” be blacklisted, Manila’s top diplomat to the special administrative region said on Thursday, adding that at least three to five employers are now currently being investigated.

“Definitely, that’s the first step we will do if they’re proven to be guilty of illegally terminating their employees,” Philippine Consul General in Hong Kong Raly Tejada told reporters in an online briefing when asked if erring employers will be blacklisted from hiring Filipino workers.

“That’s the first step but more than that they are liable for violating the employment ordinance of Hong Kong and, for sure, in cooperation with the labor department of Hong Kong, and our consulate here, we will coordinate with them and make sure that they face charges and be responsible for what they’ve done,” he added.

Earlier reports said some OFWs in Hong Kong who tested positive for COVID-19 were fired by their employers while some were forced to stay in parks after being allegedly denied admission to hospitals for having terminated contracts and no employment visas.

According to Tejada, firing an employee due to sickness is a violation of Hong Kong’s employment ordinance.

He said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong is tasked to investigate the matter.

“In the initial phase of this investigation I believe we’ve already identified three to five employers that need further investigation,” the consul general said, noting that the consulate initially received reports involving 10 OFWs who were terminated from their jobs.

Tejada said the majority of the 10 OFWs were eventually able to return to their employers.

“Nakausap natin yung employers. Some of them were just surprised and fearful of the virus, so they’re probably regretful and did not intend to do so. Napakiusapan natin at they’re willing to take back naman yung mga empleyado na so that’s a good development,” he explained.

(We were able to talk to the employers. Some of them were just surprised and fearful of the virus, so they’re probably regretful and did not intend to do so. We are able to make an appeal and they’re willing to take back their employees so that’s a good development.)

Meanwhile, he said the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong will be filing charges against erring employers if needed. He said those found to have illegally dismissed their employees may face a fine of up to 100,000 Hong Kong dollars.

In the meantime, Tejada said the consulate is focused on ensuring that sick OFWs recover from COVID-19. He said OFWs have been given medical assistance, among others.

“Ang atin pong mission ngayon ay ang pagpapagaling sa kanila (OFWs) at madala sila sa mga ospital at sa ngayon po [Our mission is to make sure they recover and to bring them to the hospital],” he added.

“We need to make sure that our kababayans who are sick need to recuperate first and then we will ask them and investigate as to the circumstances of their termination. After that, we will proceed. And if we need to file charges, then we will do so,” he added.

/MUF