Filipinos in US Urged to Seek Legal Status Amid Immigration Crackdown
MANILA — The Philippine government is advising undocumented Filipino immigrants in the United States to "keep a low profile" and actively pursue legal pathways to residency, as the Trump administration signals potential immigration policy changes. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega told reporters Saturday that an estimated 300,000 undocumented Filipino nationals should strategically work towards legalizing their status, emphasizing...
Diplomatic Tightrope, Philippines Considers Landmark Ban on Kuwait Deployments
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is carefully deliberating a potential deployment ban for Filipino workers in Kuwait, emphasizing the need for a strategic, long-lasting solution rather than a hasty temporary measure, senior officials said Saturday. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega told reporters that while discussions are ongoing, no definitive decision has been made regarding halting worker deployments...
Download Interactive Hong Kong E-Guide, Spotlighting Urban Cycling Infrastructure
The Hong Kong Lands Department has unveiled its 2025 electronic city guide, offering residents and visitors an unprecedented digital navigation tool that goes beyond traditional mapping by championing urban cycling culture. The free, downloadable e-HongKongGuide provides a comprehensive cartographic resource featuring 119 detailed maps, complete with satellite positioning capabilities for both desktop and mobile platforms. This year's edition distinguishes itself by...
Filipino Seafarers Rescued from Houthi Rebels Receive Comprehensive Government Support
MANILA — Seventeen Filipino seafarers who were recently freed from Houthi rebels will receive extensive financial and welfare assistance upon their return to the Philippines, government officials announced Thursday. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) pledged a comprehensive support package designed to help the sailors recover from their traumatic experience, with Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasizing the government's commitment to...
Filipino Helper Battling Cancer Alleges Discrimination After Firing, Eviction
A Filipino domestic helper's termination following her breast cancer diagnosis has exposed deep flaws in Hong Kong's labor protection system, sparking calls for urgent reform. Noelyn Patricio Arzaga, 39, says her female employer pressured her to forgo the recommended chemotherapy treatment and instead have surgery to remove the tumor. The employer reportedly preferred Arzaga to continue working rather than take...
Millions of mainland visitors expected during the Lunar New Year holiday
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Hong Kong is poised to welcome approximately 1.45 million mainland visitors, a promising 15 percent increase from last year and nearing 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC). The peak travel period is expected to occur from January 30 to February 1, when daily inbound travelers...
Authorities Intensifies Crackdown on Public Housing Abuse, Recovers Thousands of Flats
The Hong Kong Housing Department (HD) is taking unprecedented steps to combat public housing resource abuse, recovering over 7,000 rental units in a sweeping effort to ensure fair allocation of scarce housing resources. In a landmark report released Tuesday, the Office of the Ombudsman praised the Housing Authority's aggressive approach to identifying and addressing tenancy violations, marking a significant milestone...
Octopus Launches Massive Lunar New Year Spending Boost Handouts
In a bold bid to stimulate local consumption during a challenging economic period, Hong Kong's leading e-payment service Octopus is deploying a hefty HK$68.8 million (US$8.8 million) campaign to encourage festive spending and keep consumers local. The company's most ambitious Lunar New Year initiative yet aims to counter a growing trend of Hongkongers crossing into mainland China for shopping and...
Hong Kong Cracks Down On Cross-Border Illegal Workers, Makes Eight Arrests
Hong Kong's Immigration Department has launched a targeted operation against illegal mainland workers, arresting eight individuals who were providing unauthorized cross-boundary services through social media platforms. The week-long operation, conducted from January 13 to 20, targeted mainland visitors advertising tour guide and delivery services without proper work permits. Immigration officers strategically posed as customers to identify and apprehend the suspects. The...
