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| Construction sites are often checked for the presence of illegal workers |
Hong Kong remains replete with illegal workers, as shown by last week’s joint operations between the Immigration and Labour Departments, when a total of 50 people were arrested.
A statement issued by the Immigration Department said the week-long raids from October 10 to 16, resulted in the arrest of 41 suspected illegal workers, eight employers and an aider and abettor.
As in previous operations, most of the premises targeted were construction sites, renovation premises and restaurants.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
The arrested workers comprised 11 men and 30 women, aged 24 to 58. One man was found to hold a recognizance form, signifying his intention to oppose repatriation, while another was in possession of a fake HK ID card.
Three men and five women, aged 32 to 62, were also arrested on suspicion of hiring the workers, along with a 62-year-old woman who is suspected of having abetted the illegal hiring.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
Immigration said further investigations is being carried out, and further arrests are not ruled out.
Apart from mounting the crackdown, Immigration officers went around newly inhabited housing estates to distribute leaflets among occupants and management staff warning people not to hire illegal workers.
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| Promotional vehicle used to warn residents against hiring illegal workers |
The press statement warned that it is illegal for anyone to take up work in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, unless with explicit permission from the Director of Immigration.
The prohibition covers tourists, illegal immigrants, ovestayers, asylum seekers as well as foreign domestic workers and imported laborers who are allowed to work only for the specified job and location, and for their contractual employers.
Illegal workers are normally sentenced to 15 months in prison after conviction, although the prescribed maximum jail term is between two and three years, with a fine of $50,000.
Sentencing guidelines imposed by the High Court prescribe an immediate jail term for an employer of an illegal work, although they are often jailed for a shorter time than the worker. The maximum penalty for errant employers is 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $500,000.
Anyone with information about illegal employment activities may call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.
