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Thirteen suspected illegal workers and three employers/persons-in-charge were arrested in anti-illegal employment operations jointly conducted by the Labour Department and Immigration Department and the Police on last Sunday (July 29) and today (August 1).
In the Sunday operation, the labour inspectors and the immigration officers raided five foot massage parlours in North Point and Causeway Bay. Nine suspected illegal workers from the Mainland who were two-way permit holders were found working as foot masseurs illegally in three foot massage parlours.
The employers or persons-in-charge of the three foot massage parlours were also taken to the Immigration Department for investigation.
In today's joint operation, labour inspectors and police officers raided an interior renovation site in an industrial building in Kwun Tong. Four suspected illegal workers were found illegally doing renovation work. All were coming from the Mainland and had two-way permits. One of them over-stayed in Hong Kong.
Senior Labour Officer of the Labour Department Mr Ernest Ip, said the Government was committed to protecting the employment opportunities of local workers by combating illegal employment. "Since January this year, the Labour Department has conducted 106 joint operations with other enforcement departments to combat illegal employment. We will continue with vigorous action to deter these illegal activities."
"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," Mr Ip 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 1, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:52
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