9th June 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Immigration Department (ImmD) has recently launched a series of anti-illegal worker operations across Hong Kong, codenamed “Contribute” and “Twilight.” Joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force were also conducted, codenamed “Champion” and “Windsand,” spanning four consecutive days from 5th to 8th June. The operations have resulted in the arrest of 16 suspected illegal workers and six suspected employers.
During the operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 26 target locations, including manicure shops, massage parlours, premises under renovation, residential buildings, restaurants, a retail shop, and a wet market. Twelve suspected illegal workers and five suspected employers were arrested. The arrested illegal workers comprised four men and eight women, aged between 25 and 60. One woman was suspected of using and possessing a forged Hong Kong identity card, and four of the arrested illegal workers were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking employment. Additionally, three men and two women, aged between 35 and 72, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were arrested.
During the “Champion” operation, enforcement officers raided 20 target locations in the Central district, including restaurants, retail shops, and salons. Three suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. The arrested illegal workers comprised one man and two women, aged between 23 and 66. The suspected employer, a 34-year-old man, was also arrested.
In another operation, “Windsand,” a 28-year-old female Mainland visitor was arrested for breaching her condition of stay by being involved in suspected parallel trading activities at San Wan Road in Sheung Shui district. The seized goods were mainly skincare products.
An ImmD spokesman has warned that any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force shall be guilty of an offence. Visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.