*
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35
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Reply:
Mr President,
The operation of employment agencies in Hong Kong is subject to the Employment Agency Regulations under the Employment Ordinance. The fees which these employment agencies may collect from job applicants are prescribed in Part II of the Second Schedule of the Regulations. These Regulations prohibit employment agencies in Hong Kong from charging job registrants any amount more than that prescribed under the Schedule. The Labour Department has the responsibility to monitor the operation of the local employment agencies in accordance with the Regulations.
The Labour Department has so far not received any complaints from imported Filipino workers on the new airport sites about being charged excessive placement fees by employment agencies in Hong Kong. It will continue its enforcement efforts to ensure that all employment agencies in Hong Kong comply with these Regulations.
At the same time, the Government has, through its liaison efforts, built up a close rapport with authorities of the labour exporting countries over the regulation of labour exportation activities. In the case of Filipino workers, the Labour Department has maintained regular contacts with the Philippines Consulate for this purpose. We will continue with such efforts to ensure that all imported workers are sufficiently aware of their rights and benefits, and that any problems can be resolved promptly through co-operation.
End
Provision of acute beds in public hospitals
Following is a question by the Hon Christine Loh and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Is the Government aware of:
(a)
the current provision of acute beds in public hospitals on Hong Kong Island; and