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Nine illegal workers and six employers were arrested by Immigration Department task force officers yesterday (March 2) during a territory-wide anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Twilight".
Operation "Twilight" began at 7.30am and ended at 10.15pm yesterday. Task force officers raided 21 target locations in various districts including decoration units, restaurants and retail shops.
The illegal workers were four men and five women aged between 24 and 54. Four were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit employment, and five were illegal immigrants.
"It is an offence for illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order to take any employment or to establish or join in any business. Offenders are liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for three years," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
"It is also an offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is a fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years. The Immigration Department will continue its efforts to combat immigration offenders and prosecute employers who hire illegal workers. Aiders and abettors of illegal immigrants to remain in Hong Kong are liable to prosecution and a maximum penalty of a $25,000 fine and imprisonment for three years," the spokesman said.
Ends/Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:48
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