A spokesman for the Labour Department (LD) today (June 20) reminded operators of employment agencies (EAs) to conduct their business in compliance with the law and the requirements of the Code of Practice for EAs (the Code) at all times.
      
     The LD has revoked the EA licence of Perfect World Employment Services Co located in Tai Po. The EA failed to meet the requirements set out in the Code, such as getting involved in the financial affairs of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and withholding the passports of FDHs.
      
     Under section 53(1)(c)(iva) of the Employment Ordinance (EO), the Commissioner for Labour (the Commissioner) may revoke the licence of an EA if he is satisfied that the licensee concerned has not complied with the Code.
      
     "The Code sets out the salient legal requirements that EA operators must observe in operating their business, as well as the minimum standards which the Commissioner expects from EAs. The Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 2018, which came into effect on February 9, 2018, stipulates that the Commissioner may refuse to issue or renew a licence, or may revoke a licence, if he is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the licensee or the person intending to be the licensee of an EA, or a related person of or an individual employed by the licensee or the person intending to be the licensee has contravened any provision of Part XII of EO or any regulation made under section 62 of EO, such as overcharging job seekers or unlicensed operation, or has not complied with the Code issued under section 62A(1) of EO," the spokesman added.
      
     This is the second revocation of an EA licence in 2019. In 2018, there were eight cases of revocation or refusal of renewal of EA licences.
      
     For enquiries about matters related to EAs or complaints about their malpractices, please call the Employment Agencies Administration of the LD at 2115 3667, or visit its office at Unit 906, 9/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 20) that the shark prevention net at Cafeteria Old Beach in Tuen Mun District, has been repaired and the beach has been reopened.

     The beach was temporarily closed earlier on for shark prevention net maintenance work.

     Hongkong Post announced today (June 20) that an exhibition displaying the winning entries and other entries of the 18th Inter-School Stamp Exhibits Competition will be held at Wong Tai Sin Community Centre from July 5 to 7. The competition is co-organised by Hongkong Post and the Education Bureau to promote philately among students. The exhibition is open to the public and admission is free.

     Hongkong Post will issue a souvenir cover, together with a special postmark and a cachet to mark the event.

     Information about this exhibition, souvenir covers and hand-back date-stamping service is available on Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.hk and the Hongkong Post mobile app.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The People's Bank of China (PBOC) will issue Renminbi Bills through the Central Moneymarkets Unit of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). Please find attached the tender notice and the tender information memorandum of the Renminbi Bills to be issued by the PBOC. Please also find attached the tender-related information provided by the Issuing and Lodging Agent through the HKMA.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:

     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force, they should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water, setting up temporary sunshade and providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees. Employees should drink water regularly and be mindful of their physical condition. If early heat stroke symptoms such as headache and thirst appear, they should inform their supervisors and seek medical help immediately.