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| The 6 imported workers were said to have worked illegally in restaurants |
Six people arrested in restaurants for allegedly working illegally were described as “imported workers” in a statement issued by the Immigration Department on Friday.
They were among 16 people arrested during anti-illegal work operations carried out by law enforcers across the city for four consecutive days, from Sept. 1 to 4.
In raids conducted at six restaurants, six suspected illegal workers and two employers were arrested.
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
The suspected illegal workers were said to comprise two men and four women, aged 26 to 58, and they were described as imported workers, which apparently meant they were recruited from overseas but were not hired through legal channels.
One man aged 59 and a woman aged 52 were also arrested on suspicion of hiring the illegal workers.
Separately, 23 locations including industrial and residential buildings and
garages were targeted in similar operations. Six suspected illegal workers and
two employers were arrested.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
Those held for working illegally were all women aged 28 to 55. Four of them held recognizance forms, signifying their attempt to prevent deportation; while the other two were in possession of forged HK identity cards.
Two men, both aged 37, were suspected of being their employers, and were also arrested.
Earlier, eight Mainland tourists were also arrested in a sting operation by Immigration officers for working illegally as photographers and make-up artists.
Two local residents were also arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the illegal work.
The Mainland residents comprising one man and seven women aged between 19 and 39, reportedly used social media platforms to offer outdoor photo sessions for fees ranging from $300 to $2000, with makeup services priced as little as $80.
Officers posed as customers and lured the suspects to Hong Kong where they were caught red-handed.
Tourists and anyone found working without permit from Immigration, including those on foreign domestic workers visas or hold recognizance papers, are liable to be sentenced to a maximum jail term of two years and a fine of $50,000.
The maximum jail term could go up to three years if the illegal worker is an overstayer or an illegal immigrant.
Those who possess or use a forged HK ID card could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined a maximum of $100,000.
Employers of illegal workers face as much as $500,000 in fine and imprisonment for up to 10 years.
