The Labour Department handled 94 underpayment claims from foreign domestic helpers last year.

Responding to a question from James Tien in the Legislative Council today, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip said the Department also received 98 complaints against employment agencies overcharging commissions.

Mr Ip said the Department has launched prosecution action in 10 of the 78 overcharging cases investigated. The rest either lacked evidence or were unsubstantiated complaints.

He added that eight employment agencies had their licences revoked or were refused issue of licences last year.

Mr Ip said the Government would not tolerate such malpractices and has increased efforts to curb them.

He encouraged underpaid or overcharged maids to file complaints with the Department.