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| Two of those arrested are led away for questioning |
A total of 16 people were arrested in three consecutive days of anti-illegal work operations mounted by the Immigration Department.
Those arrested in raids carried out from Mar 31 to Apr 2 comprised 14 suspected illegal workers and two employers.
The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised four men and 10 women, aged 34 to 59. Among them, three women were suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card.
Two men, aged 35 and 67, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested.
A statement from Immigration again warned that violating a condition of stay in Hong Kong is a serious offence for which a prison sentence is prescribed.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
Those who are caught working while on tourist visas are not allowed to take up any work, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Those who are foreign domestic helper visas are also not allowed to take up work outside of their employer’s house.
Offenders who fall in these two types of categories face a maximum jail term of two years, and a fine of up to $50,000.
If the offender is an overstayer, non-refoulement claimant (asylum seeker) or an illegal immigrant face a higher prison term of up to three years, plus $50,000 fine.
The penalty is more severe if the illegal worker is also found in possession, or is using a fake HK identity card. The prescribed maximum sentence is 10 years’ imprisonment and fine of $100,000.
Employers of illegal workers face more serious consequences, as the maximum fine that can be imposed is $500,000, apart from imprisonment for up to 10 years. An immediate custodial sentence is also prescribed.
