Three employers sanctioned for violating import labour rules

The Labour Department announced on Wednesday three employers were sanctioned for violating regulations under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS), resulting in a two-year ban on importing foreign workers.

The sanctioned parties include Pei Ho (Ming Ho) Roasted Meat Restaurant and its sole proprietor, who failed to disclose all available job vacancies to local candidates when applying to import a kitchen helper. 

Separately, Tmomo (Tsuen Wan) Limited was penalised for rejecting a qualified local applicant during its bid to hire a foreign warehouse worker.

The third company, Grosswell Limited, was found to have increased job requirements for local applicants and then refused to hire those who met the originally advertised criteria for clerical and accounting positions.

The department reiterated that the ESLS mandates strict compliance from employers, including giving priority to suitable local workers. Failure to comply with the scheme's requirements, labour laws, or the standard employment contract will result in administrative sanctions.

Controversy links to Sham Shui Po Ming Gor 

The sanction has drawn public attention because the restaurant's name is associated with Chan Cheuk-ming, widely known as "Sham Shui Po Ming Gor," a respected figure recognised for his long-term charity work providing free meals to the underprivileged in the neighbourhood.

In response to Sing Tao Daily, the sister publication of The Standard, Chan clarified that the sanctioned restaurant is located at 275 Tai Nan Street, while his establishment operates at 276 Tai Nan Street.

Chan explained that he transferred the shop at 275 Tai Nan Street to another operator two years ago due to rent increases and maintenance issues, receiving no payment for the transfer. He stated he was unaware of why the business name had not been updated.