Operation “Net” and the Hidden Issues Behind Illegal Foreign Domestic Worker Employment

The Immigration Department launched a large-scale anti-illegal worker operation codenamed “Blockade” starting from the 18th of this month, conducting surprise raids at 27 targeted locations across Hong Kong, including restaurants, dim sum restaurants, and food manufacturing factories, resulting in 34 arrests. Among those arrested were 24 suspected illegal workers (predominantly former foreign domestic helpers of Indonesian nationality), 8 employers suspected of employing illegal workers, and other individuals in violation of work permit regulations. The Immigration Department stated that investigation work is ongoing and they do not rule out further arrests.

What deeper issues lie behind this incident? As an employment agency, it is necessary to reflect carefully on this matter. The main reasons why foreign domestic helpers engage in illegal work typically involve several dimensions, and these factors often intertwine, leading them down the path of illegal employment:

1. Livelihood Pressure After Contract Termination or Dismissal

   • Many foreign domestic helpers face financial difficulties after their original employers terminate contracts prematurely or upon contract expiration, leaving them without legal work status and income sources. Economic pressure forces them to seek illegal work to sustain their living expenses, including rent, food, and family obligations.

2. Legal Restrictions and Complex Procedures for Job Changes and Returning Home

   • Hong Kong’s regulations regarding foreign domestic helpers’ job changes and return home are relatively strict, with complex and time-consuming procedures. This causes some domestic helpers to lack legal work status while waiting for new contract approvals, leading them to temporarily turn to illegal work.

3. Insufficient Legal Knowledge and Information Asymmetry

   • Some foreign domestic helpers lack sufficient understanding of Hong Kong’s employment law regulations and associated risks, and lack information and resources to address unemployment or contract termination crises, making them vulnerable to being misled by illegal intermediaries or black market employers into working outside their contracts.

Our Commitment to Compliance and Protection: Employment agencies must not only strive to protect the rights and interests of both parties in employment relationships, but must also protect both parties from any legal risks. Clear contract terms and a support network during times of difficulty are the best ways to protect all parties involved.

As ZenCare Employment Resolve, we have consistently committed to building a transparent, compliant, and harmonious employment ecosystem. Going forward, we must continue to strengthen compliance management services, rigorously review the information of domestic helpers and employers, and ensure both parties have a clear understanding of their legal obligations. We believe this will help us operate more steadily in the future and create real value for our clients and society.