Gov’t revokes license of employment agency Saiko Hong

The license was revoked after the company was convicted of overcharging commission.

The Labour Department revoked the employment agency license of Saiko Hong in Sheung Wan after its licensee and an associate of the licensee were earlier convicted of attempting to overcharge a commission from a foreign domestic helper.

Under sections 53(1)(c)(iv) and 53(1)(e)(i) of the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57) (EO), the Commissioner for Labour (the Commissioner) may revoke an EA's licence if she is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the licensee or an individual employed by the licensee has contravened any provision of Part XII of the EO or any regulation made under section 62 of the EO.

"The EO stipulates that the Commissioner may refuse to issue or renew a licence, or may revoke a licence, if she 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 or any regulation made under section 62 of the EO, such as overcharging job seekers or operating an EA without a licence, or has not complied with the Code issued under section 62A(1) of the EO," a spokesman for the Labour Department said.

Meanwhile, the Labour Department today reminded operators of employment agencies to conduct their business in compliance with the law and the requirements of the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies at all times.