The Labour Department has revoked the licence of the Best Employment Agency Company after the operator was declared not a fit and proper person to operate an employment agency.

In an employment claim lodged at the Labour Tribunal by a foreign domestic helper, the agency's licensee served as a witness and was found to have given inconsistent testimony. After an investigation, the department obtained evidence that showed the licensee had assisted in arranging underpayment of wages to the foreign domestic helper. The licensee had also been involved in advising the helper to accept underpayment and urging her to give false information to prospective employers.

Operators of employment agencies should give proper advice about employment terms offered by employers to their employees including foreign domestic helpers. They should not encourage employers to pay wages less than the minimum allowable wage or benefits less than the statutory provisions.

For enquiries or complaints against employment agencies concerning unlicensed operation or overcharging of commission, call the department's Employment Agencies Administration on 2852 3535 or approach its office at 12/F, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong.