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Eight suspected illegal workers and four employers/persons-in-charge of work places were arrested on Hong Kong Island this week by the Labour Department and the Police in two joint operations to combat illegal employment.
The two departments raided seven suspected spots, including eating places and vegetable stalls.
Of the eight illegal workers arrested, three were foreign domestic helpers, two were Mainland visitors holding valid two-way permits, two were over-stayers and the remaining one could not produce proof of identity.
The illegal workers were found working as dishwashers, general workers or waiters in the eating places.
"This year the Labour Department has conducted 34 joint operations with the Police to combat illegal employment. We will continue with enforcement operations against illegal employment," a department spokesman said today (March 10).
"Employing illegal workers is a serious offence and even a first-time offender will be sentenced to three months imprisonment. Employers should not breach the law."
The spokesman also urged people to report illegal employment to the Labour Department's hotline 2815 2200. All information provided will be handled in strict confidence.
Ends/Friday, March 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:30
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