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The Immigration Department, Hong Kong Police and Labour Department today (February 2) mounted anti-illegal worker operations in the East District of Hong Kong Island and the West Kowloon Region to combat illegal employment activities.
The operation started at 7am and ended at 5pm. Immigration, police and Labour Department officers raided a number of targeted places, including a mill for production of food, a flat under renovation, restaurants, buildings and streets. It resulted in the arrest of 32 people who were suspected immigration offenders, including 16 illegal workers and six local employers.
Of the 16 arrested illegal workers, three were non-ethnic Chinese illegal immigrants, four were non-ethnic Chinese visitors, seven were Mainland visitors and two were foreign domestic helpers. Of the non-ethnic Chinese arrestees, three were holders of recognisance forms.
The spokesman appealed to employers not to employ illegal workers, warning that it was an offence to employ people who were not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is a fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years. To deter unlawful employment, the High Court laid down a sentencing guideline in 2004 reaffirming that it was a serious offence to employ someone who was not lawfully employable, and the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
"The Immigration Department will continue to strengthen law enforcement to combat unlawful employment now that the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2009 is in effect. It is an offence for illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order to take up paid or unpaid employment, or to establish or join in any business. Offenders are liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for three years," an Immigration spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:15
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