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| Those arrested in the laundry raid are led away |
A total of nine people were arrested in an anti-illegal work operation by the Immigration Department that targeted a laundry factory, according to a statement released by the government today.
Those arrested included eight suspected illegal workers and the person who hired them.
Those reportedly found working illegally at the laundry comprised three men and five women aged 29 to 48. The suspected employer is a woman aged 52.
The raid was one of several conducted by immigration officers from Sept 9 to 11.
Apart from the laundry factory, operatives from Immigration and the HK Police force also raided 102 target locations in Hung Hom, Kowloon City and Western districts.
In these separate raids, two suspected illegal workers, both men aged 48 and 52, were arrested. A 49-year-old woman was also detained after she was found to have overstayed her visa.
According to the statement, an investigation into the suspected employers of the illegal workers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is likely.
Immigration again warned that working illegally, whether paid or unpaid, is an offence under Hong Kong law.
The prohibition applies to tourists and recognizance paper holders who are not allowed to work without permission from the Immigration director. Foreign domestic workers are also prohibited from working outside the home of their contract employers.
Those found violating their visa conditions by engaging in illegal work could be jailed for up to two years and fined a maximum of $50,000.
Overstayers, illegal immigrants or those subject of a removal or deportation order could be jailed for a maximum of three years and fined $50,000.
In addition, the Chief Executive may issue a deportation order against such illegal workers. Under Hong Kong laws, deportation could be ordered against an immigrant who has been found guilty of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years.
Employers of illegal workers face the more severe penalty of a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years. The director, manager or any officer of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability.
Under sentencing guidelines issued by the High Court, the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
