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Forty three suspected illegal workers and 17 employers were arrested in a series of operations conducted jointly today (February 4) by the Labour Department, the Police and the Immigration Department to combat illegal employment. The operations mainly targeted New Year Flower Fairs.
A total of 26 stalls of the New Year Fairs at Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, San Po Kong, Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan and Sheung Shui were raided in the operations.
Of the 43 suspected illegal workers arrested, 42 were arrested while selling flowers and pot plants in the flower fairs. The other suspected illegal worker was arrested in a porcelain shop in North Point.
Forty one of the suspected illegal workers came from the Mainland and the other two could not produce any proof of identity on the spot. The majority of the suspected illegal workers came from Guangdong, Fujian and Guangxi Provinces.
During the operations, 17 employers or person-in-charge of the workplaces where suspected illegal workers were detected 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 conducted 170 joint operations with other enforcement departments to combat illegal employment. Already this year, the Labour Department has conducted 26 joint operations with other enforcement departments. We will continue with vigorous action to deter these illegal activities."
"Employing illegal workers is a serious offence. Even a first-time offender faces 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/Monday, February 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:57
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