Pinay maid in HK made to work in China by employer

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino domestic helper in Hong Kong was brought to China by her employer and made to work for a family there for 10 days.

The South China Morning Post reported yesterday that Rosgen, 23, who arrived in Hong Kong last month, was brought by her employer to a friend’s home somewhere in Guangdong province, a three-hour drive from Hong Kong.

“My employer told me we were traveling to the mainland, but when we got to her friend’s place, she said I must work there,” the SCMP quoted Rosgen as saying. “I complained, but she said if I didn’t obey her, I would be sent home to the Philippines.”

Rosen said she tried to ask for help when they returned to Hong Kong, slipping a note to a customs official at the border checkpoint, but the official ignored her and simply returned her passport.

Hiring foreign maids is prohibited in mainland China, and foreigners caught violating the rule could face up to 15 days in jail and a five-year entry ban. Employers, on the other hand, could be fined up to RMB100,000.

Rosen is reportedly now staying with a friend and will seek to terminate her work contract.