MANILA — Six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been arrested in Hong Kong on allegations of unapproved employment and falsely posing as dentists, Philippine officials said Thursday, as the government vowed to provide full legal and welfare assistance.
The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Hong Kong confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, stating the workers were detained by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) during an anti-illegal worker operation in Sham Shui Po on August 17. The PCG said the workers face charges of “breach of condition of stay” for taking up unapproved employment, establishing or joining a business in Hong Kong, and “falsely pretending to be a dentist.”
Hong Kong ImmD investigators reported seizing dental equipment and tools allegedly used for teeth scaling, orthodontic treatments, and denture making during the raid. The agency hinted more individuals could be arrested as the investigation continues and referred the case to Hong Kong’s relevant department for further inquiry into potential violations of the Dentists Registration Ordinance.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is coordinating with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) via the PCG to assist the detainees. “We are providing legal assistance, arranging visitations to the detention facility, and reaching out to families for support,” Cacdac stated in a Facebook post Thursday.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan echoed the government’s commitment, telling the Philippine News Agency the Philippines is “in full coordination” with Hong Kong authorities during the probe.
The Hong Kong ImmD emphasized that foreign domestic workers (FDWs) are strictly prohibited from undertaking any work outside their employment contracts, including part-time domestic duties for others. Violators face prosecution, with penalties including fines of up to $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment.
The six workers remain detained as investigations proceed.
