A Filipina with domestic helper visa has got herself in trouble after she was found to be working in an employment agency in Hong Kong.
For working in an agency owned by her employer’s sister, Arlene P. Viray was charged with breach of condition of stay after she was arrested within the agency’s premises.
“She was observed for 16 minutes while working at the agency,” a government prosecutor told the High Court during a bail hearing on March 3, according to a report by Hong Kong News.
Viray’s employer WF Cheung and her sister were also under investigation to determine whether they should also be charged.
“The Immigration Department is conducting further inquiries about the two Miss Cheungs,” the prosecutor told the court. Viray appealed to the High Court to allow her to post bail after she was remanded in jail custody on Feb. 18.
Viray arrived in Hong Kong in January 1 and her employment contract is due to end in November.
“Let me tell you. If you are convicted, it is probable you will be sentenced to three months. Unless there is an urgent trial, if I refuse you bail, you would have served a substantial part of the sentence,” High Court Justice Patrick Li told the Filipino worker, who had no lawyer.
“However, if I grant you bail, I need to know for certain that there is a place in Hong Kong when you can be located and there is a person who would make sure that you will turn up for your trial,” he added.
In the meantime, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office had already contacted Viray’s agency to ensure she gets the necessary assistance she needs.