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Nineteen suspected illegal workers and 12 employers were arrested in a series of operations conducted jointly in the past week (July 17 to 25) by the Labour Department, the Police and the Immigration Department to combat illegal employment.
A total of 40 places in various districts, including Chai Wan, North Point, Wan Chai, Western District on the Hong Kong Island, Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung, were raided in the operations.
Among the 19 suspected illegal workers arrested, seven were working as sales assistants in retail shops, five worked as waiters or cleaners in eateries, two worked as general workers in a laundry and the remaining worked as foot masseur, hair washer, interior renovation worker, waste recycling worker and care worker respectively.
Two suspected illegal workers could not produce their identity document and two were overstaying Mainland visitors. The rest were holding valid two-way permits. Most of the suspected illegal workers came from Guangdong Province.
During the operations, 12 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 that since January this year, the Labour Department had conducted 103 joint operations with other enforcement departments to combat illegal employment. "We will continue with our vigorous action to deter these illegal activities," the spokesman 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 urged people to report illegal employment to its hotline 2815 2200. All information provided will be handled in strict confidence.
Ends/Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:12
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