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The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (November 21) jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" in Sheung Shui district.
During the operation, 10 Mainland visitors comprising five men and five women aged from 38 to 68 were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at San Wan Road, Ka Fu Close and Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club Playground in Sheung Shui. The goods included milk powder, diapers, foods, red wine, nutritional supplements, toys and daily necessities.
Since September 2012, a number of "Windsand" operations have been conducted, during which a total of 1,033 Mainlanders and 12 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 132 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay and seven are under investigation, while the remaining 894 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 124 out of 132 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to two months, and charges were withdrawn for another eight people.
"Visitors are not allowed to take up 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. The Immigration Department will continue to take enforcement action with related law enforcement departments against the offences concerned," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
Ends/Friday, November 22, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:12
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