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The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (August 19) jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" in the Sheung Shui district.
During the operation, 14 Mainland visitors comprising nine men and five women aged from 18 to 54 were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at Ka Fu Close, Po Wan Road, San Wan Road and Po Shek Wu Road in Sheung Shui. The goods involved milk powder, foods, red wine, cosmetics and daily necessities.
Since September 2012, a number of "Windsand" operations have been conducted, during which a total of 889 Mainlanders and 10 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 107 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay, while the remaining 782 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 99 out of 107 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to two months, and charges were withdrawn for another eight people.
"Visitors are not allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties. The Immigration Department will continue to take enforcement action with related law enforcement departments against the offences concerned," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:46
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