Former Domestic Helper Sentenced to 10 Months for Immigration Fraud in Hong Kong

Former foreign domestic helper jailed for conspiracy to defraud

A former foreign domestic helper (FDH) was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment on November 21 by the Shatin Magistrates' Courts.

The 53-year-old Filipina former FDH was a holder of recognizance form, which prohibits her from taking any employment. During a previous investigation into a case relating to overstaying ex-FDHs taking up unapproved employment in Hong Kong, the Immigration Department (ImmD) discovered that the former FDH acted as a middleman and recruited two Hong Kong residents to be false employers for remuneration. By using false residential and financial proofs, and a false FDH contract, the former FDH conspired with others to defraud the ImmD and arranged for foreign nationals to obtain FDH visas to work in Hong Kong illegally.

The ImmD subsequently mounted operations, during which the former FDH, two false employers and two false FDHs involved were arrested. One of the false FDHs had been convicted earlier for conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to four months' imprisonment. More suspects could be arrested and charged as the investigation is continuing.

"It is an offence to make a false representation to an immigration officer. Offenders are liable to prosecution and to a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. In addition, anyone who commits the offence of conspiracy to defraud is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 14 years. Furthermore, it is an offence to make, possess or use false instruments. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment," an ImmD spokesman said.

The spokesman warned, "As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment."

Grading of beach water quality released

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (November 22) released the latest grading of water quality for 11 gazetted beaches that are open for swimming in November.

Eight beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1), and three as Fair (Grade 2).

Grade 1 beaches are:

Clear Water Bay Second Beach

Middle Bay Beach

Deep Water Bay Beach

Repulse Bay Beach

Golden Beach

Silver Mine Bay Beach

Lido Beach

Stanley Main Beach

Grade 2 beaches are:

Big Wave Bay Beach

Silverstrand Beach

Casam Beach

Compared with the grading released last week, Big Wave Bay Beach, Casam Beach and Silverstrand Beach have been changed from Grade 1 to Grade 2.

"The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beaches," an EPD spokesman said.

Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.

While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, the EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a tropical cyclone or heavy rainfall.

A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the EPD's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666. Members of the public can also obtain the latest daily water quality forecast information for all beaches that are open for swimming through the EPD's dedicated webpage on the beach water quality forecast (www.epd.gov.hk/en/BWQForecast).