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| Immigration shows off fake documents used to obtain visas for the illegal workers |
A four-day operation by the Immigration Department that specifically targeted foreign domestic workers doing illegal work has led to the arrest of 24 people, 18 of them illegal workers and six employers.
The operation which was carried out from August 2 to
5, led to the arrest of 14 women and four men aged 19 to 54, which reports said
were predominantly from the Philippines and Indonesia.
Six Hong Kong residents aged 38 to 49, were also arrested for employing the workers or managing the businesses involved.
Among the arrested workers, three held current work
contracts, six were overstayers, three came to Hong Kong on visitor visas, five
held recognizance forms which signify their application for asylum, and one was
an imported worker.
Investigators said most of the suspected illegal
workers were doing various jobs, including dishwashing, cooking, and waiting on
customers. They were paid in cash, earning between $200 and $500 each day.
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| Those arrested mostly worked in restaurants |
There were also some who ended up working at
unlicensed guesthouses operated by their employers, instead of the address
indicated in their work contracts. They also did not do household work as
stipulated in their contracts.
The operation covered 66 locations including
restaurants, retail shops, guest houses, commercial buildings and residential
units.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
The Immigration Department warned that helpers are
only permitted to perform domestic duties at their employers’ residence as
specified in their employment contracts.
FDHs found working illegally can be jailed for up to
two years, and fined a maximum of $50,000.
Employers face more severe penalties, with a maximum
jail term of 10 years and fines of up to $500,000. Company directors may also be
prosecuted.
Both could also be held liable for making false
statements, an offence which carries a maximum jail term of 14 years, and fines
of up to $150,000.
Immigration said an investigation is continuing, with
the possibility of further arrests.
