Govt warns against Hong Kong job promises

KATHMANDU, July 17: The government has requested all Nepalis not to fall into the trap of unauthorized manpower agents who promise them job placements in Hong Kong. The appeal comes at a time when many Nepalis, who were brought into the self-governing Chinese territory by unscrupulous agents, were found stranded. [break]



According to the Office of Consulate General of Nepal in Hong Kong, the agents trick Nepalis to travel to Hong Kong giving ostensive logic that the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will issue them refugee cards -- which are legal documents to work in Hong Kong -- soon after they arrive in Hong Kong. "This lie is then used as a pretext to accumulate Rs 300,000 to Rs 600,000 from each person," states a press release issued by the Nepal´s consulate general´s office in Hong Kong.



The consulate general´s office has clarified that Hong Kong is not a signatory to UN´s convention related to refugees and there is no way the former UK colony can issue refugee cards to Nepalis who reach there.



The consulate has, however, acknowledged that Hong Kong issues identity cards to people who file complaints citing they have become victims of inhuman acts like torture and other degrading treatment in their native country or will become one upon returning to the country.



But these cards do not give the privilege to work in Hong Kong; although few who have tried are doing so clandestinely and in fear, states the release. "Hong Kong is a small place any authorities can easily trace any illegal activities going on in the country. Besides, with the end of decade-long insurgency Nepalis will find it difficult to establish that they have become victims or will become victims of inhuman acts," adds the release.

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