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| Eight women allegedly working illegally were among those arrested |
A total of 10 suspected illegal workers and three
employers were arrested during a four-day operation across Hong Kong carried
out the Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police between Monday to
Thursday this week.
During operations “Twilight” immigration officers
raided 29 locations including garages, premises under renovation, restaurants
and street stalls.
Nine suspected illegal workers comprising one man
and eight women, aged 29 to 52, were arrested. Among them, two are holders of
recognizance forms which prohibited them from working in the city.
Three men, aged 22 to 51, were arrested on suspicion
of employing the illegal workers.
Separately, a female visitor from the Mainland aged
25 was arrested during operation “Windsand”, on suspicion of illegal parallel
trading. She was selling goods, mainly health care products, on San Wan Road in
Sheung Shui.
A statement from Immigration said working without
the permission of the Director of Immigration, whether paid or unpaid, is an
offence punishable by a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’
imprisonment.
Illegal immigrants, those on recognizance or are
overstayers, commit a more serious offence if they take up work in Hong Kong. They
face prosecution and imprisonment for up to three years, and a fine of up to
$50,000.
Those who employ illegal workers commit the gravest
offence under the Immigration Ordinance. They face a maximum jail term of 10
years, and a fine of up to $500,000. Employers are thus enjoined to make enquiries
about job applicants and not just inspect
their identity cards.
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