Ocean Empire International fined HK$66,000 for failing to pay wages to 10 employees

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The company earlier pleaded guilty at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts after withholding more than HK$560,000 in wages.

Ocean Empire International, the parent company of congee chain Ocean Empire Food Shop, pleaded guilty on 19 January 2026 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts for violating the Employment Ordinance (EO). The company was fined HK$66,000.

According to the Labour Department (LD), the company wilfully and without reasonable excuse failed to pay wages to 10 employees within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods and after the termination of their employment contracts. The outstanding wages totalled approximately HK$563,000.

A spokesperson for the LD said the court ruling sends a clear warning to all employers to comply with the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO.

"The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and safeguarding employees' statutory rights," the spokesperson added.

Ocean Empire International announced in May 2025 the closure of all branches of the Ocean Empire Food Shop and the termination of all employment contracts. The company has since entered liquidation under a creditors’ voluntary winding-up.