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Fifteen suspected illegal workers and eight employers have been arrested in a series of operations conducted jointly by the Labour Department, the Police and the Immigration Department from August 21 to 30 to combat illegal employment.
A total of 26 suspected spots in the territory, including Chai Wan, North Point, Wan Chai, Western District, Tai Po and Discovery Bay were raided in the operations.
Of the 15 suspected illegal workers arrested, four were found working as sales assistants in retail shops, four worked as foot masseurs in a foot massage shop and two worked on covered renovation sites. The remaining illegal workers worked as waiter, food delivery worker, repair worker and general worker respectively.
All of the suspected illegal workers came from the Mainland. Twelve of them held valid two-way permit while three were overstayers. The majority of them came from Guangdong Province.
During the operation, eight employers or persons-in-charge of the workplaces where suspected illegal workers were found were taken to police stations for investigation.
Senior Labour Officer of the Labour Department, Mr Ernest Ip said that since January this year, the Labour Department had conducted 115 joint operations with other enforcement departments to combat illegal employment. "We will continue with our vigorous action to deter these illegal activities.
"Employing illegal workers is a serious offence. Even a first-time offender would be sentenced to three months' imprisonment. Employers should not breach the law," 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, August 30, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:23
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