A Filipino domestic helper, who was fooled into thinking that she was holidaying with her boss, was forced to work illegally in mainland China for 10 days, it has been alleged.
Rosgen, 23, said her employer threatened to send her back to the Philippines if she did not comply, the SCMP reports.
Apparently, the bewildered helper was taken to a town that she couldn’t even name (which it transpires was actually three hours north of Guangdong) to her employer’s friend’s home, and was ordered to get to work.
Rosgen, who only arrived in Hong Kong last month, spent 10 days there on a 30-day travel visa before returning to Hong Kong on Sunday.
She reportedly tried to reach out to a customs officer at the Hong Kong border checkpoint by handing him a note reading: “I have a problem, please help me call my agency in Hong Kong.” However, the unsympathetic, or perhaps oblivious, official simply handed the woman back her passport.
It is illegal to hire foreign maids for personal services in mainland China. Employers are liable to a maximum fine of RMB100,000 (HKD118,290), and foreign workers can be subjected to 15 days in prison and a five-year entry ban.
The case comes amid escalating public concerns over the abuse of domestic helpers by some citizens who allegedly “lease out” their maids and send them to the mainland to work – without legal authorisation from either government.
It has not been confirmed whether or not there was any financial exchange between the employer and her friend.
Ramon Buldron, managing director of Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants, highlighted the awkward situation that a helper would encounter in these circumstances. He pointed out that a maid could complain to mainland authorities, but would still be subject to penalty if she had started working.
Rosgen is currently residing with a friend in Ma On Shan, and says that she plans to terminate her contract with the said employer. She will consult her hiring agency for further guidance.
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