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| Immigration officers show costumes worn by mainland acrobats who worked illegally at restaurant |
A total of 16 people were arrested in a series of territory-wide anti-illegal work operations conducted by the Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police over four days, from July 28 to 31.
Those arrested comprised 15 suspected illegal
workers and one suspected employer.
Immigration
said 128 target locations were raided, including industrial buildings, residential
buildings and restaurants. Nine suspected illegal workers were arrested,
comprising seven men and two women, aged 27 to 55. One of the women held a
recognizance form, which indicates she has applied against being sent back
home.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
Also arrested was a 54-year-old woman who is suspected of employing the illegal workers.
During a “cyber patrol,” Immigration also found a restaurant offering dance and acrobatic performances by visitors. They immediately launched a sting operation on July 28 and arrested six suspects, all Mainland visitors aged 20 25, while they were performing at the restaurant.
Immigration again warned that anyone who violates a condition of stay shall be guilty of an offence, including visitors who take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, or sets up or joins a business.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
Offenders can be jailed for up to two years and fined $50,000. The maximum jail term goes up to three years if the offender is an overstayer, an illegal immigrant, or a non-refoulement applicant.
Employers of illegal workers can be sentenced to a maximum term of 10 years, and fined up to $500,000.
To be
held liable, it is not enough that the employer checked the job applicant’s
identity card. All employers are required to make further enquiries and ensure
that the answers they get would not cast any reasonable doubt as to the lawful
employability of the person.
