************************************************************
Twelve suspected illegal workers and five employers were arrested in an operation conducted jointly by the Labour Department and the Police today (June 13) to combat illegal employment.
A total of 20 suspected spots in various districts on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon East, including North Point, Chai Wan, Wan Chai, San Po Kong and Kwun Tong, were raided in the operation.
Among the 12 suspected illegal workers arrested, four were found working as sales assistants in retail shops, two worked as waiters or kitchen helpers in eating places, two worked as foot masseurs in foot massage shops, three worked in covered renovation sites and the remaining one as a barber in a hair salon.
All of the suspected illegal workers were Mainlanders holding valid two-way permit or came to Hong Kong on business visitor endorsement. The majority of them came from Guangdong Province.
During the operation, five employers or persons-in-charge of the workplaces where suspected illegal workers were found were taken to police stations for investigation.
A spokesman for the Labour Department said, "Since January this year, the Labour Department has conducted 83 joint operations with other enforcement departments to combat illegal employment. We will continue with our vigorous action to deter these illegal activities."
"Employing illegal workers is a serious offence. Even a first-time offender would be sentenced to three months' imprisonment. Employers should not breach the law," he stressed.
The Labour Department urged the public to report illegal employment to its hotline 2815 2200. All information provided will be handled in strict confidence.
Ends/Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:47
NNNN
