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The Immigration Department arrested 12 illegal workers and three people suspected of employing them during a territory-wide anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Twilight" on November 23.
During the operation, Immigration Task Force Officers raided 15 target locations in various districts, including restaurants, markets, retail shops, a residential unit and a factory. The illegal workers comprised six men and six women aged 27 to 44. Moreover, four women and three men were suspected of using and in possession of forged Hong Kong identity cards. Three men, whose ages ranged from 38 to 40, were suspected of employing the illegal workers.
All the illegal workers were detained for enquiry.
Two other men suspected of employing the illegal workers were also arrested by Immigration Task Force Officers today (November 24).
"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," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
The spokesman also warned that it was an offence in law to use or possess a forged identity card. Offenders are liable to prosecution and a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and up to 10 years' imprisonment.
The spokesman also appealed to employers not to employ illegal workers, warning that it was an offence to employ people who were not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is a fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's identity card or, if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card, his/her valid travel document. The maximum penalty for failing to do so is a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for one year. To deter unlawful employment, the High Court laid down sentencing guidelines in 2004 reaffirming that it was a serious offence to employ someone who was not legally employable, and stating that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
Ends/Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:48
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