Renovation workers targeted in latest anti-illegal work operation

Six women were among those arrested for illegal work

Five people working illegally as renovation workers were among 14 suspects arrested in the latest anti-illegal work operation by the Immigration Department, the police and other relevant government agencies.

According to a press statement by Immigration, the five were among renovation workers whose services were recently advertised on social media. Officers conducted an investigation and after  identifying the suspects, pretended to be customers.

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“The illegal workers were subsequently arrested while providing services in Hong Kong,” said the statement.

The five were three men and two women aged 28 to43. They were among 11 workers and three employers arrested during the latest weekly operation of combined forces aimed at flushing out illegal workers.

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The other premises that were targeted were restaurants, warehouses and retail stores located in various locations.

The  six additional workers who were arrested comprised two men and four women, aged 23 to 59. The two men were asylum seekers holding recognizance papers that prohibit them from taking up work. One woman was found in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card.

Basahin ang detalye!

Two men and one woman, aged 36 to 39, were arrested on suspicion of employing the illegal workers. Immigration said its investigation into the employers is ongoing, and further arrests could not be ruled out.

Working illegally or without express permission from the Immigration Director is a serious offence in Hong Kong, for which custodial sentence is prescribed.

The maximum jail term for illegal workers is two years, but it rises to three years if another offence is committed, like when the worker is an overstayer, illegal immigrant or asylum seeker. The fine in either case is HK$50,000.

An employer faces the more severe penalty of imprisonment for up to 10 years, and a fine of HK$500,000.

To report illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.