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The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (March 5) jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" in Sheung Shui district.
During the operation, 18 Mainland visitors comprising five men and 13 women aged 25 to 65 were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at Choi Fai Street, Choi Yuen Road and Ka Fu Close. The goods included milk powder, foods, red wine, diapers and daily necessities.
Since September 2012, a number of "Windsand" operations have been conducted, during which a total of 1,144 Mainlanders and 13 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 172 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay and three are under investigation, while the remaining 969 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 163 out of 172 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to two months, one is pending court hearing, and charges were withdrawn for another eight people.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/Thursday, March 6, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:53
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