Hong Kong Immigration Department Conducts Major Raids on Illegal Employment
The Hong Kong Immigration Department recently conducted a large-scale operation targeting illegal employment, resulting in the arrest of 25 individuals across 23 locations. These locations included restaurants, cleaning companies, and commercial buildings, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
Five individuals have been jailed, while 20 others were arrested during the operation that took place from Monday to Thursday. The arrested group consisted of 19 people suspected of working illegally and six employers who allegedly hired them. Among those detained, there were six men and 13 women, with ages ranging from 22 to 62 years old.
Breakdown of Arrested Individuals
Thirteen of the arrested individuals held tourist visas, with 11 coming from mainland China and two from Indonesia. Additionally, a former domestic helper who overstayed their visa, an illegal immigrant, and four holders of recognisance forms were also taken into custody. A recognisance form is a temporary identification document that allows individuals to stay in Hong Kong but not to work.
Ng Kwun-cheong, the deputy commander of an Immigration Department task force focused on illegal employment, revealed that five of those arrested had already received prison sentences ranging from 51 days to 14 months. He explained that most of the illegal workers were employed in roles such as dishwashers, cleaners, and kitchen staff. Some of these individuals had worked for more than half a year, indicating a long-term pattern of illegal employment.
Wages and Methods Used by Illegal Workers
According to Ng, most of the arrested illegal workers were paid daily wages ranging from HK$200 (US$26) to HK$600 in cash. This method of payment was used to avoid any checks or scrutiny from authorities. The six employers arrested were all men between the ages of 39 and 53, and they operated restaurants and cleaning companies that were targeted during the operation.
Ng emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and that more arrests could be made. He noted that some illegal workers attempted to forge copies of identity cards and used mobile phone screenshots as substitutes to deceive employers into believing they were legally employed.
Legal Consequences and Employer Responsibilities
Ng urged all employers to verify the authenticity of job applicants’ identity documents and to remain vigilant if candidates provided various reasons for only presenting copies. In Hong Kong, employers who hire workers illegally can face a maximum fine of HK$500,000 and up to 10 years in jail. Anyone caught violating their terms of stay in the city may also face prosecution, with potential fines of up to HK$50,000 and a maximum prison sentence of two years.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Illegal Employment
The Immigration Department continues to intensify its efforts to combat illegal employment, ensuring that both workers and employers are aware of the legal implications of such actions. The recent operation highlights the department’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Hong Kong’s labor market and protecting the rights of legitimate workers.
As the investigation progresses, further details about the cases and potential additional arrests are expected to emerge. The focus remains on preventing illegal employment and ensuring that all individuals comply with the laws and regulations governing their stay in Hong Kong.
Bahran Hariz adalah seorang penulis di Media Online IKABARI.
