Manila: Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has assured that the Philippine government is extending full legal and welfare assistance to the six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrested in Hong Kong for alleged unapproved employment and other offenses.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac stated in a Facebook post on Thursday that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is working closely with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Hong Kong to support the detained workers.

‘The DMW-OWWA-MWO is in coordination with DFA-PCG to provide legal assistance and visitations to the detention facility. We are also reaching out to the families to provide support and assistance,’ Cacdac said.

The PCG in Hong Kong confirmed the arrest of the six Filipino Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) in an anti-illegal worker operation in Sham Shui Po on August 17. The workers are currently detained for breaching their condition of stay by taking up unapproved employment, establishing or joining businesses, and falsely pretending to be a dentist.

Hong Kong ImmD investigators reported the arrest and confiscation of dental equipment and tools allegedly used for dental services during the raid, with a possibility of more arrests as the investigation continues. The case has been referred to the relevant Hong Kong department for further investigation into potential violations of the Dentists Registration Ordinance by the foreign domestic workers.

The ImmD reminded that foreign domestic workers are strictly prohibited from taking up any work outside their employment contract. Violators face prosecution with potential penalties of a maximum fine of USD50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan assured that Manila is in full coordination with the relevant Hong Kong department while the investigation is ongoing.