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Twelve suspected illegal workers and an employer were arrested today (August 16) in an anti-illegal employment operation conducted jointly by the Labour Department and the Police in Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok.
Labour inspectors and police officers raided 10 retail stalls and the suspected illegal workers and the employer were arrested in eight of them.
All the suspected illegal workers were working as shop assistants. All were two-way permit holders mainly from Guangdong and Guangxi.
"Since January this year, the Labour Department has conducted 124 joint operations with other enforcement departments to combat illegal employment," a spokesman for the Labour Department said.
"Employing illegal workers is a serious offence. Even a first-time offender will be sentenced to three months' imprisonment. Employers should not breach the law."
"The Labour Department will continue to take vigorous enforcement against illegal employment to protect the employment opportunities for local workers," he 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/Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:15
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