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| File footage of an anti-illegal work operation |
A total of 15 people were arrested in the latest anti-illegal work sweep led by officers of the Immigration Department, from October 9 to 15.
Twelve of those arrested
were suspected illegal workers, including an asylum seeker; one was found to
have overstayed his visa, one was a suspected employer and the other, an aider
and abettor.
They were rounded up in multiple raids across the city that targeted restaurants, retail stores, industrial buildings and other known hotspots for illegal work.
The suspected illegal workers comprised eight men and four women, aged 20 to 54. One of the men held a recognizance paper which prohibits him from taking up work, paid or unpaid.
The arrested overtayer was a man aged 43. One woman aged 47 was identified as an employer, while another woman aged 28 is suspected to be an aider and abettor.
Immigration warns that illegal work is a serious offence in Hong Kong, which carries the maximum penalty of two years in jail and HK$50,000 fine.
Overstayers and asylum seekers found engaged in illegal work face the higher penalty of up to three years in jail and HK$50,000 fine.
Aiders and abettors are held equally liable, while employers could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined a maximum of HK$500,000.
Immigration said an investigation into the suspected illegal employment is continuing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
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.
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