DOLE orders probe into abuse of OFW in HK, employer blacklisted

The Department of Labor and Employment has ordered an investigation into the alleged abuses and torture suffered by an overseas Filipino worker in the hands of her employer in Hong Kong.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz ordered the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to probe the case of Rowena Uychiat.

“Look into the nature of this case and work with each other and with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong. I want to know what happened. Look how we can assist OFW Uychiat and her family," said Baldoz.

For his part, Philippine Labor Attache to Hong Kong Manuel Roldan said the POLO has blacklisted Uychiat's employer, Yui Anna Hoi Yin.

"This means Yui Anna Hoi Yin cannot hire another worker unless police investigation shows otherwise. The POLO will not process any contract document which the employer will present as a pre-requisite to visa issuance," Roldan said.

He added the POLO has watch-listed a total of 3,545 employers, including 320 in 2013 and 27 in the first two months of 2014.

Roldan also said the POLO encourages OFWs whose employers are under the watch-list to report inappropriate working conditions, abuses, and maltreatment.

Abused OFW's record

Citing POEA records, the DOLE said Uychiat was first deployed by Mirben International Manpower Services to Kuwait for a two-year contract on July 7, 2009. She had a $400 monthly salary then.

She returned and was re-deployed to Hong Kong on July 22 last year. She is an active member of the OWWA, the DOLE said.

The DOLE added Uychiat would be entitled to livelihood and loan assistance should she decide to return to the Philippines. She is also entitled to scholarship grants for her children.

"Should she need medical assistance, she will receive all PhilHealth benefits," it added.

On the other hand, OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon said Uychiat can avail of legal assistance from the POLO on the labor aspect and from the Philippine Consulate on the non-labor aspect. —Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

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