Hong Kong-based OFWs facing 'de.

Byline: Jeffrey O. Valisno

Aside from the proposed 20% pay cut by the Hong Kong government slated next month, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the territory face an additional financial burden with the implementation of a $25 membership fee.

Migrante International, an organization of migrant workers, called the action a "de facto wage cut" on Filipino workers seeking employment in Hong Kong.

"All OFWs bound for Hong Kong will not be given an overseas employment certificate unless they pay the mandatory membership fee to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) of $25 or some P1,275. So even before the proposed wage cut in Hong Kong, …