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Monday, August 14, 2017

Update on Pinay Hong Kong HSW Who Died From "Fall" in Shenzen, China - Employers Arrested

It was almost exactly a year ago when a Filipina helper died in Hong Kong due to an accident when she fell from a high building while cleaning the windows of her employer's apartment. Since then, Hong Kong authorities have implemented strict rules regarding this type of work. Now, another incident of death of a Filipina worker happened in China. But this time, the circumstances are more suspicious since the helper is actually based in Hong Kong but died in mainland China. Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of 28-year-old Filipino domestic helper who allegedly fell from a building on the mainland after being sent there to work by her Hong Kong employers. Officials have classified the tragedy as a “suspected case of human-trafficking”. The case revealed a “dangerous trend” of Hong Kong employers dispatching or bringing their helpers to work illegally outside the city, mostly bringing them to mainland China. The family of the dead worker, Lorain Asuncion, are in Hong Kong to seek answers to what really happened to her. They said before her death she had shared her fear each time she had to go to the mainland with her employer. According to Asuncion’s relatives, she had been taken to the mainland about four times since October 2016, when she started employment with the couple. It is said, she was afraid because she could not understand the language. And when in the mainland, she did not have access to social networks, so she could not talk to her family, according to her aunt, Susan Escorial. Strict rules implemented in Hong Kong are almost never followed in China as the government in Hong Kong is autonomous. Thus, migrant worker and labor protections laws are left in Hong Kong whenever employers bring their helpers to China. This itself is illegal, except in cases where the helpers are there as tourists - perhaps only to help take care of young children and not to do domestic work. On July 24, Asuncion’s family was informed by her Hong Kong agency, Sunlight Employment Agency, that she had fallen to her death that day from the seventh floor of an apartment building in Shenzhen, China. They were not informed as to what she was doing in China. They had no other details, according to her family, as Lorain's employer refused to meet them, choosing instead to answer questions only via the consulate. “We were told that she jumped. But we think the death of my sister is very suspicious. We want to know what happened and have justice,” said Jenevieve Javier, 29. Asuncion’s family is seeking legal aid to pursue compensation claims in the city. Her family feels the loss of not being able to see Lorain again. They were looking forward to her returning to the house she was building in the Philippines. “She was a very hardworking girl, and she has so many dreams,” recalled her aunt, holding back tears.“We hope this does not happen to others.” A spokesman for the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou said Asuncion’s body was in a morgue in Shenzhen. The consulate was in touch with the Guangdong Public Security Department to obtain the autopsy and the police reports as well as the death certificate. It is surprising to learn that Hong Kong does not have laws on trafficking household workers. That's why, migrant worker's rights groups said the number of cases of Hong Kong employers taking their helpers to the mainland has grown in recent years. They said there were also cases of maids hired in Hong Kong who ended up being taken illegally to work full-time for families on the mainland. Asuncion’s death came reports suggested last month the Chinese government was considering allowing foreign domestic workers to be hired in five top cities. Late last year, foreigners as well as Hong Kong and Macau residents in Guangdong province were allowed to hire helpers from abroad. hina's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities. It could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the destinfor Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. According to Usec. Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Emmanuel Geslani, a recruitment and migration expert said that: “The recruitment industry welcome the possibility of deploying HSWs to China due to the existing large market of foreign workers or expatriates working for many international companies and financial institutions,” in a news statement. He also said that the P100,000 rate is very attractive to the OFWs especially among domestic workforce. According to reports, China aim to employ around 100,000 Filipino domestic workers in their five largest cities including Xiamen, Beijing and Shanghai as stated by DOLE. Source: GMA News, Business Mirror Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Danilo Baldon, an assistant to nationals at the consulate in Hong Kong, said the office received about four complaints in past months of domestic helpers who were taken to the mainland China against their wishes for stretches of time. But it was difficult to estimate the extent of the problem. “We don’t know, because they don’t report it for fear of having their contracts terminated,” he said. Rights group leaders warned employers who took their helpers abroad that they were “both taking a risk: the helper goes as a tourist, which means that she does not have a permit to work there, and the employer is usually breaching the contract and should be held responsible if something happens.” Hong Kong has also campaigned hard to inform the public about the dangers of cleaning windows. New rules stipulated in the Standard Employment Contract are supposed to be implemented at the beginning of this year. Working in another address not stated in the contract is also illegal. Yet time and again, foreign workers, including Filipinos, find themselves stuck between the rules and the commands of their employers. The US State Department’s annual report on human-trafficking released in June said that “some foreign domestic workers sign contracts to work in Hong Kong, but upon arrival are sent to work in mainland China.” Advocates have called for an anti-human trafficking law, as current provisions forbid human-trafficking for the purpose of prostitution, but not for forced labor. A spokesman for the Labour Department said if employers breach contracts, including “arranging foreign domestic helpers to work in places other than set out”, that will be taken into consideration in assessing the employers’ future applications for employing helpers. The department also said that a person who makes a false statement to the immigration - for instance, someone playing as a front for a family in the mainland – is liable to prosecution and might receive a maximum fine of HK$150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. sources: SCMP, Shanghaiist, HK01



(This was the news, almost exactly one year ago)

UPDATE:
The Hong Kong employers of a Filipino domestic helper who plunged to her death from a building in Shenzhen last month were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

 They were released on bail and will have to report to police in mid-September in a case that has raised concerns about employers taking their helpers to work outside the city illegally.

 The 47-year-old man, identified only by his surname, Gu, and his wife surnamed Liu, 32, both Hong Kong residents,were arrested at police headquarters in Wan Chai.

 “They were suspected to have made a false statement to the relevant government department, claiming that the female foreign domestic helper employed by them would work in Hong Kong only,” a police spokesman said.
Lorain Asuncion, 28, fell from a building in Shenzhen on July 24 after it was claimed her employers sent her to work there at a relative’s home.

source: SCMP

 It was almost exactly a year ago when a Filipina helper died in Hong Kong due to an accident when she fell from a high building while cleaning the windows of her employer's apartment. Since then, Hong Kong authorities have implemented strict rules regarding this type of work.

Now, another incident of death of a Filipina worker happened in China. But this time, the circumstances are more suspicious since the helper is actually based in Hong Kong but died in mainland China.

Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of 28-year-old Filipino domestic helper who allegedly fell from a building on the mainland after being sent there to work by her Hong Kong employers. Officials have classified the tragedy as a “suspected case of human-trafficking”.

It was almost exactly a year ago when a Filipina helper died in Hong Kong due to an accident when she fell from a high building while cleaning the windows of her employer's apartment. Since then, Hong Kong authorities have implemented strict rules regarding this type of work. Now, another incident of death of a Filipina worker happened in China. But this time, the circumstances are more suspicious since the helper is actually based in Hong Kong but died in mainland China. Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of 28-year-old Filipino domestic helper who allegedly fell from a building on the mainland after being sent there to work by her Hong Kong employers. Officials have classified the tragedy as a “suspected case of human-trafficking”. The case revealed a “dangerous trend” of Hong Kong employers dispatching or bringing their helpers to work illegally outside the city, mostly bringing them to mainland China. The family of the dead worker, Lorain Asuncion, are in Hong Kong to seek answers to what really happened to her. They said before her death she had shared her fear each time she had to go to the mainland with her employer. According to Asuncion’s relatives, she had been taken to the mainland about four times since October 2016, when she started employment with the couple. It is said, she was afraid because she could not understand the language. And when in the mainland, she did not have access to social networks, so she could not talk to her family, according to her aunt, Susan Escorial. Strict rules implemented in Hong Kong are almost never followed in China as the government in Hong Kong is autonomous. Thus, migrant worker and labor protections laws are left in Hong Kong whenever employers bring their helpers to China. This itself is illegal, except in cases where the helpers are there as tourists - perhaps only to help take care of young children and not to do domestic work. On July 24, Asuncion’s family was informed by her Hong Kong agency, Sunlight Employment Agency, that she had fallen to her death that day from the seventh floor of an apartment building in Shenzhen, China. They were not informed as to what she was doing in China. They had no other details, according to her family, as Lorain's employer refused to meet them, choosing instead to answer questions only via the consulate. “We were told that she jumped. But we think the death of my sister is very suspicious. We want to know what happened and have justice,” said Jenevieve Javier, 29. Asuncion’s family is seeking legal aid to pursue compensation claims in the city. Her family feels the loss of not being able to see Lorain again. They were looking forward to her returning to the house she was building in the Philippines. “She was a very hardworking girl, and she has so many dreams,” recalled her aunt, holding back tears.“We hope this does not happen to others.” A spokesman for the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou said Asuncion’s body was in a morgue in Shenzhen. The consulate was in touch with the Guangdong Public Security Department to obtain the autopsy and the police reports as well as the death certificate. It is surprising to learn that Hong Kong does not have laws on trafficking household workers. That's why, migrant worker's rights groups said the number of cases of Hong Kong employers taking their helpers to the mainland has grown in recent years. They said there were also cases of maids hired in Hong Kong who ended up being taken illegally to work full-time for families on the mainland. Asuncion’s death came reports suggested last month the Chinese government was considering allowing foreign domestic workers to be hired in five top cities. Late last year, foreigners as well as Hong Kong and Macau residents in Guangdong province were allowed to hire helpers from abroad. hina's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities. It could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the destinfor Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. According to Usec. Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Emmanuel Geslani, a recruitment and migration expert said that: “The recruitment industry welcome the possibility of deploying HSWs to China due to the existing large market of foreign workers or expatriates working for many international companies and financial institutions,” in a news statement. He also said that the P100,000 rate is very attractive to the OFWs especially among domestic workforce. According to reports, China aim to employ around 100,000 Filipino domestic workers in their five largest cities including Xiamen, Beijing and Shanghai as stated by DOLE. Source: GMA News, Business Mirror Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Danilo Baldon, an assistant to nationals at the consulate in Hong Kong, said the office received about four complaints in past months of domestic helpers who were taken to the mainland China against their wishes for stretches of time. But it was difficult to estimate the extent of the problem. “We don’t know, because they don’t report it for fear of having their contracts terminated,” he said. Rights group leaders warned employers who took their helpers abroad that they were “both taking a risk: the helper goes as a tourist, which means that she does not have a permit to work there, and the employer is usually breaching the contract and should be held responsible if something happens.” Hong Kong has also campaigned hard to inform the public about the dangers of cleaning windows. New rules stipulated in the Standard Employment Contract are supposed to be implemented at the beginning of this year. Working in another address not stated in the contract is also illegal. Yet time and again, foreign workers, including Filipinos, find themselves stuck between the rules and the commands of their employers. The US State Department’s annual report on human-trafficking released in June said that “some foreign domestic workers sign contracts to work in Hong Kong, but upon arrival are sent to work in mainland China.” Advocates have called for an anti-human trafficking law, as current provisions forbid human-trafficking for the purpose of prostitution, but not for forced labor. A spokesman for the Labour Department said if employers breach contracts, including “arranging foreign domestic helpers to work in places other than set out”, that will be taken into consideration in assessing the employers’ future applications for employing helpers. The department also said that a person who makes a false statement to the immigration - for instance, someone playing as a front for a family in the mainland – is liable to prosecution and might receive a maximum fine of HK$150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. sources: SCMP, Shanghaiist, HK01

The case revealed a “dangerous trend” of Hong Kong employers dispatching or bringing their helpers to work illegally outside the city, mostly bringing them to mainland China.

The family of the dead worker, Lorain Asuncion, are in Hong Kong to seek answers to what really happened to her. They said before her death she had shared her fear each time she had to go to the mainland with her employer.

According to Asuncion’s relatives, she had been taken to the mainland about four times since October 2016, when she started employment with the couple. It is said, she was afraid because she could not understand the language. And when in the mainland, she did not have access to social networks, so she could not talk to her family, according to her aunt, Susan Escorial.

 Strict rules implemented in Hong Kong are almost never followed in China as the government in Hong Kong is autonomous. Thus, migrant worker and labor protections laws are left in Hong Kong whenever employers bring their helpers to China. This itself is illegal, except in cases where the helpers are there as tourists - perhaps only to help take care of young children and not to do domestic work.

On July 24, Asuncion’s family was informed by her Hong Kong agency, Sunlight Employment Agency, that she had fallen to her death that day from the seventh floor of an apartment building in Shenzhen, China. They were not informed as to what she was doing in China.

They had no other details, according to her family, as Lorain's employer refused to meet them, choosing instead to answer questions only via the consulate.


“We were told that she jumped. But we think the death of my sister is very suspicious. We want to know what happened and have justice,” said Jenevieve Javier, 29. Asuncion’s family is seeking the help of a lawyer to pursue compensation claims in the city.
It was almost exactly a year ago when a Filipina helper died in Hong Kong due to an accident when she fell from a high building while cleaning the windows of her employer's apartment. Since then, Hong Kong authorities have implemented strict rules regarding this type of work. Now, another incident of death of a Filipina worker happened in China. But this time, the circumstances are more suspicious since the helper is actually based in Hong Kong but died in mainland China. Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of 28-year-old Filipino domestic helper who allegedly fell from a building on the mainland after being sent there to work by her Hong Kong employers. Officials have classified the tragedy as a “suspected case of human-trafficking”. The case revealed a “dangerous trend” of Hong Kong employers dispatching or bringing their helpers to work illegally outside the city, mostly bringing them to mainland China. The family of the dead worker, Lorain Asuncion, are in Hong Kong to seek answers to what really happened to her. They said before her death she had shared her fear each time she had to go to the mainland with her employer. According to Asuncion’s relatives, she had been taken to the mainland about four times since October 2016, when she started employment with the couple. It is said, she was afraid because she could not understand the language. And when in the mainland, she did not have access to social networks, so she could not talk to her family, according to her aunt, Susan Escorial. Strict rules implemented in Hong Kong are almost never followed in China as the government in Hong Kong is autonomous. Thus, migrant worker and labor protections laws are left in Hong Kong whenever employers bring their helpers to China. This itself is illegal, except in cases where the helpers are there as tourists - perhaps only to help take care of young children and not to do domestic work. On July 24, Asuncion’s family was informed by her Hong Kong agency, Sunlight Employment Agency, that she had fallen to her death that day from the seventh floor of an apartment building in Shenzhen, China. They were not informed as to what she was doing in China. They had no other details, according to her family, as Lorain's employer refused to meet them, choosing instead to answer questions only via the consulate. “We were told that she jumped. But we think the death of my sister is very suspicious. We want to know what happened and have justice,” said Jenevieve Javier, 29. Asuncion’s family is seeking legal aid to pursue compensation claims in the city. Her family feels the loss of not being able to see Lorain again. They were looking forward to her returning to the house she was building in the Philippines. “She was a very hardworking girl, and she has so many dreams,” recalled her aunt, holding back tears.“We hope this does not happen to others.” A spokesman for the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou said Asuncion’s body was in a morgue in Shenzhen. The consulate was in touch with the Guangdong Public Security Department to obtain the autopsy and the police reports as well as the death certificate. It is surprising to learn that Hong Kong does not have laws on trafficking household workers. That's why, migrant worker's rights groups said the number of cases of Hong Kong employers taking their helpers to the mainland has grown in recent years. They said there were also cases of maids hired in Hong Kong who ended up being taken illegally to work full-time for families on the mainland. Asuncion’s death came reports suggested last month the Chinese government was considering allowing foreign domestic workers to be hired in five top cities. Late last year, foreigners as well as Hong Kong and Macau residents in Guangdong province were allowed to hire helpers from abroad. hina's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities. It could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the destinfor Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. According to Usec. Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Emmanuel Geslani, a recruitment and migration expert said that: “The recruitment industry welcome the possibility of deploying HSWs to China due to the existing large market of foreign workers or expatriates working for many international companies and financial institutions,” in a news statement. He also said that the P100,000 rate is very attractive to the OFWs especially among domestic workforce. According to reports, China aim to employ around 100,000 Filipino domestic workers in their five largest cities including Xiamen, Beijing and Shanghai as stated by DOLE. Source: GMA News, Business Mirror Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Danilo Baldon, an assistant to nationals at the consulate in Hong Kong, said the office received about four complaints in past months of domestic helpers who were taken to the mainland China against their wishes for stretches of time. But it was difficult to estimate the extent of the problem. “We don’t know, because they don’t report it for fear of having their contracts terminated,” he said. Rights group leaders warned employers who took their helpers abroad that they were “both taking a risk: the helper goes as a tourist, which means that she does not have a permit to work there, and the employer is usually breaching the contract and should be held responsible if something happens.” Hong Kong has also campaigned hard to inform the public about the dangers of cleaning windows. New rules stipulated in the Standard Employment Contract are supposed to be implemented at the beginning of this year. Working in another address not stated in the contract is also illegal. Yet time and again, foreign workers, including Filipinos, find themselves stuck between the rules and the commands of their employers. The US State Department’s annual report on human-trafficking released in June said that “some foreign domestic workers sign contracts to work in Hong Kong, but upon arrival are sent to work in mainland China.” Advocates have called for an anti-human trafficking law, as current provisions forbid human-trafficking for the purpose of prostitution, but not for forced labor. A spokesman for the Labour Department said if employers breach contracts, including “arranging foreign domestic helpers to work in places other than set out”, that will be taken into consideration in assessing the employers’ future applications for employing helpers. The department also said that a person who makes a false statement to the immigration - for instance, someone playing as a front for a family in the mainland – is liable to prosecution and might receive a maximum fine of HK$150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. sources: SCMP, Shanghaiist, HK01

Her family feels the loss of not being able to see Lorain again. They were looking forward to her returning to the house she was building in the Philippines. “She was a very hardworking girl, and she has so many dreams,” recalled her aunt, holding back tears.“We hope this does not happen to others.”

A spokesman for the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou said Asuncion’s body was in a morgue in Shenzhen. The consulate was in touch with the Guangdong Public Security Department to obtain the autopsy and the police reports as well as the death certificate.

It is surprising to learn that Hong Kong does not have laws on trafficking household workers. That's why, migrant worker's rights groups said the number of cases of Hong Kong employers taking their helpers to the mainland has grown in recent years.

 They said there were also cases of maids hired in Hong Kong who ended up being taken illegally to work full-time for families on the mainland.

Asuncion’s death came reports suggested last month the Chinese government was considering allowing foreign domestic workers to be hired in five top cities. Late last year, foreigners as well as Hong Kong and Macau residents in Guangdong province were allowed to hire helpers from abroad.

hina's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities. It could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the destinfor Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. According to Usec. Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Emmanuel Geslani, a recruitment and migration expert said that: “The recruitment industry welcome the possibility of deploying HSWs to China due to the existing large market of foreign workers or expatriates working for many international companies and financial institutions,” in a news statement. He also said that the P100,000 rate is very attractive to the OFWs especially among domestic workforce. According to reports, China aim to employ around 100,000 Filipino domestic workers in their five largest cities including Xiamen, Beijing and Shanghai as stated by DOLE. Source: GMA News, Business Mirror Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO

Danilo Baldon, an assistant to nationals at the consulate in Hong Kong, said the office received about four complaints in past months of domestic helpers who were taken to the mainland China against their wishes for stretches of time. But it was difficult to estimate the extent of the problem. “We don’t know, because they don’t report it for fear of having their contracts terminated,” he said.

Rights group leaders warned employers who took their helpers abroad that they were “both taking a risk: the helper goes as a tourist, which means that she does not have a permit to work there, and the employer is usually breaching the contract and should be held responsible if something happens.”

 Hong Kong has also campaigned hard to inform the public about the dangers of cleaning windows. New rules stipulated in the Standard Employment Contract are supposed to be implemented at the beginning of this year.

 Working in another address not stated in the contract is also illegal. Yet time and again, foreign workers, including Filipinos, find themselves stuck between the rules and the commands of their employers.


The US State Department’s annual report on human-trafficking released in June said that “some foreign domestic workers sign contracts to work in Hong Kong, but upon arrival are sent to work in mainland China.” Advocates have called for an anti-human trafficking law, as current provisions forbid human-trafficking for the purpose of prostitution, but not for forced labor.

A spokesman for the Labour Department said if employers breach contracts, including “arranging foreign domestic helpers to work in places other than set out”, that will be taken into consideration in assessing the employers’ future applications for employing helpers.

The department also said that a person who makes a false statement to the immigration - for instance, someone playing as a front for a family in the mainland – is liable to prosecution and might receive a maximum fine of HK$150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years.

 sources: SCMP, Shanghaiist, HK01



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