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During a joint enforcement operation codenamed "Powerplayer" mounted by the Immigration Department, Police Force and Labour Department in the New Territories North Region yesterday (October 18), 19 illegal workers and two overstayers were arrested.
The joint operation began at 7.15am and ended at 7pm yesterday. During the operation, enforcement officers raided 17 workplaces in Sheung Shui, Yuen Long, Pat Heung, Tuen Mun and Tin Shui Wai districts, comprising electronic refuse depots, computer recycling depots, vehicle dismantling depots and graveyards and checked the proof of identity of 105 people. In the operation, 19 illegal workers and two overstayers were arrested. The illegal workers comprised 15 men and four women aged between 29 and 43. Among them, eight were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit employment. The two overstayers were men aged 19 and 51. Moreover, one woman was suspected to have been in possession of and to have used a forged Hong Kong identity card.
All the arrestees were detained for further enquiries.
Meanwhile, Immigration Department Task Force Officers conducted another operation to investigate a Hong Kong resident male who was suspected to have been in possession of and to have used a forged Hong Kong identity card. The man was arrested in a residential unit in Tai Po and the forged Hong Kong identity card was discovered. Investigation of his suspected offence is underway. On the same day, another anti-illegal worker operation was conducted at the photographic stalls at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Golden Bauhinia Square. No one was arrested.
"The Immigration Department will continue to strengthen law enforcement to combat unlawful employment. It is an offence for illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order to take up employment, whether paid or unpaid, or to establish or join in any business. Offenders are liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for three years," an Immigration spokesman said.
"Visitors are not allowed to take up employment, whether paid or unpaid, without the prior permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for two years," an Immigration Department spokesman warned.
The spokesman also warned that it was an offence in law to use or possess a forged identity card. Offenders are liable to prosecution and a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and imprisonment for 10 years.
Ends/Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:10
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