AFRO e-News (2021.01)

Workplace Pandemic Prevention

The pandemic continues to worsen. While maintaining online contact with fellow sisters, AFRO from time to time reminds fellow sisters of the precautions to take in the midst of the pandemic. Recently, a series of pandemic prevention tips tailored to different sexual service venues have been produced for fellow sisters' reference.

At this moment, the workplaces of many fellow sisters are temporarily closed. Once they are reopened, everyone must take preventive measures seriously and practice them routinely. In addition, if you feel unwell or find that you have been in contact with a suspected infected person or a close contact, please go for a test as soon as possible.

Pandemic Prevention Tips (Link)

Group Activities -- "Love Myself More Every Day"

The series of group activities were successfully completed, and all the fellow sisters who participated were very much engaged and found the experience enjoyable.

Within just two months, we went hiking together to feel the breath of nature, doing yoga to relax the body, and doing crafts to experience the fun of art. There were also moments for fellow sisters to share the current situation and talk about their thoughts. Fellow sisters of different backgrounds are willing to listen to and support each other. Together, we explored our inner traits and thoughts to get to know ourselves in a deeper level.

In the coming year, AFRO will continue to organise various activities. Fellow sisters, do not forget to relax during busy work, enjoy life, and love yourself!

Mental Health Ambassador Training Workshop

With the donation of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, AFRO has launched Jockey Club Community Sustainability Fund – Walking Together Through Adversity Project, and for which we have recruited seven tertiary students for the Mental Health Ambassador training workshop.

The participants have shown concern about the mental wellbeing of sex workers and been proactive in understanding the situation from the AFRO team and fellow sisters. The seven mental health ambassadors will soon design a variety of educational materials for mental health promotion among fellow sisters. They also look forward to organising various activities for fellow sisters and their families and friends once the pandemic has eased.

AFRO's News Reading

Hong Kong police arrest 27 suspected prostitutes in anti-vice operation, warn of potential for sex work to spread coronavirus

(SCMP 2020.12.15)

Twenty-seven suspected mainland prostitutes who were swept up in a recent series of raids are believed to have come into contact with more than 2,000 clients while plying their trade in Hong Kong hotels and massage parlours over the past three weeks, according to police... (Read more)

AFRO's Comment:

Like many other industries, the sex industry has also been hit hard by the COVID-19.

AFRO understands that many fellow sisters live from hand to mouth. Even in the face of a pandemic, they need to take risks and continue to work. Fellow sisters, please be reminded to wear face masks whenever having interaction with clients. You may worry that wearing a mask will make you less attractive. However, when the pandemic is growing out of control, everyone has the responsibility to protect oneself and others. Only if we all work hard to fight the pandemic, can it become possible that we live our normal maskless life again.

On the hand, AFRO is compelled to remind fellow sisters once again that people who come to Hong Kong with two-way permits or tourist visas are not allowed to work, let alone those who enter Hong Kong by illegal means. If arrested, the offender may be sentenced to imprisonment.

As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order are prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment. The Court of Appeal has issued a guideline ruling that a sentence of 15 months' oprisonment should be applied in such cases.

Also, under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card or a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and up to 10 years' imprisonment.