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An employer, Or Siu-keung, was fined $35,000 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (December 20) for underpaying wages to his foreign domestic helper. The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.
The employer failed to pay wages according to the minimum allowable wage of $3,270 as set out by the Government at the time of signing the employment contract in 2005. The total amount of outstanding wages was $18,580.
Employers of foreign domestic helpers should not pay their helpers below the minimum allowable wage stipulated by the Government. Under the Employment Ordinance, the maximum fine for underpayment of wages is $350,000 and imprisonment for three years.
Employees who are owed wages should immediately report to the Labour Department's complaints hotline on 2815 2200.
Ends/Thursday, December 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:06
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