15 imported workers among 43 people arrested in anti-illegal work raids

 

Immigration officers carry out anti-illegal work raids even at night, targeting restaurants

There has been no let-up in the Immigration Department’s crackdown on illegal work in Hong Kong.

In its latest operation conducted over five days, or from Dec 14 to 18, that targeted more than 100 workplaces, a total of 43 persons were arrested, and among them was possibly the biggest group of imported workers that has been arrested for suspected illegal work.

According to a statement issued by the Department, the 15 imported workers were suspected of breaching their conditions of stay by performing duties not at their contractual workplace or were not stipulated in their contract.

DETAILS HERE

Another two people were found to have entered Hong Kong as visitors, and as such were not allowed to take up any job, paid or unpaid. Four were overstayers.

In a targeted joint operation with the Labour Department, three suspected illegal workers, all non-ethnic Chinese, were arrested for engaging in food delivery work. They were all found to hold recognizance forms that prohibit them from taking up any employment in Hong Kong.

In other operations that targeted different industries and locations like renovation flats, a leather repair store, warehouses and restaurants, 14 suspected illegal workers aged 22 to 62 were arrestd, along with three employers and four overstayers.

Basahin ang detalye!

Among those arrested, one woman was found to possess a forged Hong Kong identity card.

Three Hong Kong female residents aged 62 to 88 were also arrested on suspicion of employing the illegal workers.

Immigration said an investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and did not rule out further arrests.

Under sentencing guidelines, illegal work is usually punished with a custodial sentence.

Those who violate their visa conditions face a maximum of two years in jail, plus a fine of $50,000. The prison sentence goes up to three years if the illegal worker is an illegal immigrant or overstayer.

Those found in possession of fake HKID cards can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, and fined a maximum of $100,000.

Employers face a fine of up to $500,000 and a maximum jail term of 10 years. Mere failure to inspect a job applicant’s passport in case he/she does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card could result to a maximum imprisonment for one year and $150,000 in fine.