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Ten suspected illegal workers and seven employers or persons-in-charge of workplaces were arrested today (July 20) in an anti-illegal employment operation conducted jointly by the Labour Department and the Police in the Eastern District of Hong Kong Island.
Labour inspectors and police officers raided 16 suspected spots, including eating places, retail shops and food factories. The suspected illegal workers and employers or persons-in-charge were arrested in nine places in the district.
Most of the 10 suspected illegal workers were found working as general workers or shop assistants in retail shops or cleaners in eating places. All were valid two-way permit holders coming from Guangdong and Fujian.
Senior Labour Officer of the Labour Department Mr Ip Yee-cheung said that since January this year, the Labour Department had conducted 114 joint operations with other enforcement departments to combat illegal employment.
"Employing illegal workers is a serious offence. Even a first-time offender will be sentenced to three months' imprisonment. Employers should not breach the law," Mr Ip said.
"The Labour Department will continue to take vigorous enforcement against illegal employment to protect the employment opportunities for local workers," he said.
The Labour Department urged people to report illegal employment to its hotline 2815 2200. All information provided will be handled in strict confidence.
Ends/Thursday, July 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:06
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