***************************************************
Fourteen illegal workers and five employers or persons-in-charge of workplaces were arrested in two anti-illegal employment operations in these few days.
The operation today (May 17) was conducted jointly by the Labour Department, the Police and the Immigration Department in the Eastern District of the Hong Kong Island. Another operation was conducted by the Labour Department and the Police in West Kowloon this Monday (May 14). The operations covered a total of 30 suspected spots.
Among the 14 suspected illegal workers arrested, nine were found working as sales assistants, two working as waiters or kitchen helpers in eating places, two working as foot masseurs and one working as tailor. All of them were Mainlanders holding valid two-way permit. The majority of them came from Guangdong Province.
Five employers or persons-in-charge of the workplaces where the suspected illegal workers were found were taken to police stations for investigation.
A spokesman for the Labour Department said, "Since January this year, the Labour Department has conducted 75 joint operations with other enforcement departments to combat illegal employment. We will continue with our vigorous action to deter illegal employment."
"Employing illegal workers is a serious offence. Even a first-time offender would be sentenced to three months' imprisonment. Employers should not breach the law," he stressed.
The Labour Department urged the public to report illegal employment to its hotline 2815 2200. All information provided will be handled in strict confidence.
Ends/Thursday, May 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:18
NNNN
