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| Immigration agents display items seized during the raids |
Multiple raids led by the Immigration Department have resulted in the arrest of 16 people across Hong Kong over a week-long period that ended on September 3.
Targeted during the raids were restaurants, massage
parlors and flats under renovation.
Of those arrested, 13 were suspected to be illegal
workers, two were employers and one was an overstayer.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
The suspected illegal workers comprised five men and
eight women, aged 33 to 46.
Two of them, a man and a woman, held recognizance
forms which attest to their right to remain in Hong Kong while their applications
against non-refoulement were being considered. However, they are not allowed to
take any employment, paid or unpaid.
Another woman was found in possession of a forged HK
ID card, which is a more serious offence than working illegally.
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
The arrested overstayer is a woman aged 68.
Two
men, aged 39 and 48, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were
also arrested. Their cases remain under investigation and further arrests have not
been ruled out.
Immigration said in a statement that anyone who violates a condition of stay, like working without permission, is a serious offence for which a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and fine of up to HK$50,000 is prescribed.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
If the illegal worker is an illegal immigrant, a non-refoulement claimant or an overstayer, the prescribed maximum prison term is three years, along with HK$50,000 in fine.
Possessing and using a forged identity document or using one issued to another person could result in imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of HK$100,000.
Those found guilty of employing illegal workers could be punished with a maximum fine of HK$500,000 and imprisoned for up to 10 years.
