An NGO in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province has appealed after it received a government notice to shut down for not having a permanent address, the Global Times learned on Monday.

"We have applied for a hearing after receiving a notice on June 23. The local government might have misunderstood our purpose in helping migrant workers fight for their legal rights," Luo Hongmei, who is in charge of the Sunflower social service center, told the Global Times Monday.

The NGO received a notice from the local civil affairs bureau, saying that it is planning to shut down the organization for "having no fixed workplace" and "inadequate funds to maintain its operations."

The notice added that most of the employees in the organization have quit and that the NGO failed to update its registration information with the local government as required.

"It is true that we have had no permanent address since April," Luo said, adding that some programs which were financed by the local government are still ongoing.

Founded in 2012, the NGO helps migrant workers in Panyu district negotiate with companies, like seeking social security fees or housing funds for workers, according to Luo.

This is the third time the NGO has been forced out of their office, she said.

"We will still try to give support to workers even if the NGO is shut down in the near future," said Luo.

A civil affairs bureau employee told the news portal ifeng.com that they have received the Sunflower service center's request for a hearing, and that they are looking into the case.

He said that no decision has been made on the fate of the NGO.