Filipinos in Hong Kong warned against offers of surrogacy jobs

These visa fixers reportedly charge MDWs HK$20,000 to HK$25,000 for their services, which include finding foreign domestic helper (FDH) visa sponsors in Hong Kong. (File Photo By yeowatzup/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0)

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Philippine Consulate General on Monday warned all Filipinos in Hong Kong, particularly migrant domestic workers (MDW), against surrogacy jobs in Georgia and other countries.

In an advisory, the Consulate said it received reports about a syndicate targeting terminated MDWs in Hong Kong to work as surrogate mothers in Georgia.

“The MDW is convinced to pose as a returning worker to Hong Kong and, thereafter, they are transited through the UAE or Qatar before they arrive in Georgia,” it said.

The Consulate added that once in Georgia, some MDWs become victims of rape and forced abortions.

Meanwhile, Filipinos were also warned against visa fixers who pretend as representatives of legitimate employment agencies.

These visa fixers reportedly charge MDWs HK$20,000 to HK$25,000 for their services, which include finding foreign domestic helper (FDH) visa sponsors in Hong Kong.

“The fixer will assure the MDW that she can stay and work in Hong Kong without working for the employer stated in her Standard Employment Contract,” the Consulate said in a separate advisory.

“Unfortunately, several Filipino MDWs were already arrested and convicted for False Representation to an Immigration Officer by partaking in this modus operandi.

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The crime of False Representation to an Immigration Officer is punishable under the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance with a fine of up to HK$150,000 and imprisonment of up to 14 years.

The Consulate urged Filipinos in Hong Kong to only take overseas job offers through licensed Philippine recruitment agencies and accredited Hong Kong employment agencies.