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| One of 15 men arrested for illegal work |
Three men holding recognizance documents which allow them to remain in Hong Kong to pursue non-refoulement (repatriation) applications but not work, were among 27 persons arrested in the past week as part of the government’s anti-illegal work campaign.
A total of 25 suspected illegal workers and two employers were arrested in operations carried out by Immigration and Labour officers, as well as the HK Police, from July 17 to 23.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
The workers comprised 15 men and 10 women, aged 23 to 56. They included the three asylum seekers and a woman found in possession of a forged HK identity card.
Two men, aged 40 and 51, were arrested on suspicion of employing the illegal workers. Immigration said an investigation into the employers is ongoing.
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| Illegal work often lands the offender in jail |
The suspects were arrested during raids on multiple target locations, including restaurants, retail stores and warehouses.
Simple illegal work carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison, and $50,000 fine. The prison term goes up to three years if the offender is an illegal immigrant or overstayer.
Possessing a forged HKID card is a serious offence that is punishable with up to 10 years in jail and $100,000 fine.
Employers of illegal workers are punished the most, with the maximum jail term set at 10 years, and a fine of up to 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.
