Mainland workers face unpaid wages, homelessness after sudden closure of Hong Kong congee chain.
Rewritten Article:
Catch 'em off guard — that’s what the swift closure of a legendary 30-year-old congee chain in Hong Kong, Ocean Empire Food Shop, did to about 20 foreign workers primarily from mainland China. These unsuspecting employees, brought to the city through its supplementary labor scheme last year, have been evicted from their dormitory and are now fretting about returning to their homeland without getting their long-owed wages.
With over a hundred staff, including these mainland workers, asking for help from the Eating Establishment Employees General Union over a staggering $3 million in unpaid wages, things spiraled out of control when Ocean Empire announced the shuttering of all seven outlets on May 7, 2025, citing financial hardships and poor business conditions[1][2].
Devastated by this unanticipated turn of events, one worker from Foshan, Guangdong, simply identified as Ms. Qian, said the company left them high and dry in Yau Ma Tei, forcing them out of their dormitory without notice and neglecting to pay their April salary[1].
Besides delaying wages, reports highlight that the sudden destruction of Ocean Empire has left these workers without a place to call home[1].
The Labour Department acknowledged over 80 affected workers requesting compensation of more than $8 million[1].
Ocean Empire advised its ex-employees to pursue filings for unpaid wages, statutory compensation, annual leave payouts, and severance benefits[2][3]. They were also encouraged to consult the Hong Kong Labour Department for guidance on their legal rights and claim procedures. The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions even posted notices at the closed restaurants, extending a helping hand to the disheartened workers to discuss labor rights[3].
Now that Ocean Empire has entered liquidation, the affected workers can make claims against the company's creditors for any unpaid wages. However, as the chain stands on financially shaky grounds, ensuring full compensation seems challenging[2][3][4].
In a nutshell, the shutdown of Ocean Empire Food Shop has left many mainland Chinese workers without their dues and a roof over their heads. But legal action, coupled with support from labor advocacy groups and the government, offers channels for claim filing and potential relief[1][2][3][4]. The situation remains under active scrutiny from labor activists and authorities as the company navigates the liquidation process.
- Ms. Qian, an employee from Foshan, Guangdong, received notice of eviction from the Ocean Empire Food Shop dormitory without warning and her April salary was neglected.
- The Labor Department acknowledged that over 80 affected workers requested compensation exceeding $8 million.
- Ocean Empire advised its former employees to pursue claims for unpaid wages, statutory compensation, annual leave payouts, and severance benefits.
- With the closure of Ocean Empire, the affected workers now face the challenge of securing full compensation as the company enters liquidation.
