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Twelve suspected illegal workers and four employers were arrested in a series of operations conducted jointly by the Labour Department, the Police and the Immigration Department today (January 8) to combat illegal employment.
A total of 15 suspected spots in Yau Ma Tei, North Point and Chai Wan were raided in the operations, including a china and porcelain trade fair, a cemetery, renovation sites, retail shops and eating places.
Of the 12 suspected illegal workers arrested, four were found working as sales people in a china and porcelain trade fair and four as general workers in the cemetery. The remaining four suspected illegal workers worked as a renovation worker, shop assistant and dish cleaners.
Ten suspected illegal workers came from the Mainland. Among them one has over-stayed in Hong Kong. The majority of them came from Guangdong, Fujian and Guangxi provinces. The remaining two suspected illegal workers were South Asians.
During the operations, four employers or persons-in-charge of the workplaces where suspected illegal workers were found were taken to police stations for investigation.
A spokesman for the Labour Department said, "The Government is committed to protecting the employment opportunities of local workers by combating illegal employment. In 2007, the Labour Department has conducted 170 joint operations with other enforcement departments to combat illegal employment. We will continue with vigorous action to deter these illegal activities."
"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," the spokesman 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/Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:11
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