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"Acting on information, Immigration Task Force officers raided an industrial premises and arrested 8 visitors who were suspected to have breached their condition of stay," a spokesman of the Immigration Department said today (March 6).

Eleven Immigration investigators raided the target premises at the Kian Dai Industrial Building in Kwun Tong District. Officers found eight male Two-way permit holders performing decoration work inside the flat. The visitors aged between 22 to 34, all coming from Wu-hua Xien, Guangdong. They have been staying in Hong Kong for one to six days. They were all detained for further investigation.

Two Hong Kong residents are assisting with the investigation.

The Immigration spokesman warned that it is an offence for anyone to employ someone who is not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is a fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years.

"Visitors are not allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the prior permission of the Director of Immigration. Those who breach the conditions of stay are liable to prosecution ad upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for two years," added the spokesman.

End/Wednesday, March 6, 2002

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