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| Immigration officers herd suspected illegal workers arrested during an operation |
Ten suspected illegal workers and an alleged employer were arrested in two Immigration Department operations, and at least one of those arrested was convicted and jailed yesterday according to a statement issued today, Friday.
The arests were made in territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed "Lightshadow" and "Twilight" in which 81 target locations were raided from Aug 29 to Sept. 1.
The raids were made on a
bakery factory, food and beverage areas, an industrial building, premises under
renovation, recycling yards, restaurants, retail shops, vegetable stalls and
warehouses.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
The 10 who were arrested for
illegal work comprised two men and eight women, aged 28 to 55. Among them, one
man and three women were holders of recognizance forms, which prohibit them
from taking any employment. In addition, one man was in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card.
The alleged employer was a woman
aged 53.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
The one who was jailed is an Indonesian woman aged 39, who was arrested while working as a cleaner in a bakery factory during operation "Twilight" on Aug. 30.
“Upon identity checking, the woman produced for inspection a
recognizance form issued by the ImmD, which prohibits her from taking
employment. Further investigation revealed that she was a non-refoulement
claimant,” an Immigration press statement said.
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She was charged at Shatin Magistrates' Courts on Sept. 1 with “taking employment while being a person in respect of whom a removal order or deportation order was in force.” She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment.
The punishment was within the sentencing guidelines set by the Immigration Ordinance, which says that “a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land” can be fined up to $50,000 and jailed for up to three years for illegal work.
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| Press for details |
The Immigration statement also warned of punishments for those who violate their conditions of stay, such as those for domestic helpers and visitors, by taking employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without Immigration’s permission.
Violators face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two
years' imprisonment. “Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and
penalties," Immigration said.
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| BASAHIN ANG DETALYE |
As for an employer who hires a person not lawfully
employable, the punishment has been increased from a fine of $350,000 and three
years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect
the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc,
of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability.
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| PADALA NA! |
