The Immigration Department (ImmD) conducted raids over four days from November 13th to 16th under the codenames “Twilight,” “Champion,” and “Windsand.” ImmD task force officers and police raided a total of 74 locations including construction sites and restaurants.
Nine suspected illegal workers were arrested, along with two employers and one abettor. The workers were between 27 and 60 years old, including two women. One 57-year-old woman is suspected of employing an illegal worker. A 64-year-old man was arrested for allegedly aiding someone in breaching their conditions of stay in Hong Kong.
In a separate joint operation with police called “Champion,” officers raided 60 locations in Central district and arrested two more suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer, ages 33 to 58.
ImmD has been distributing leaflets warning against employing undocumented workers and faces fines up to HK$500,000 and 10 years in prison if found guilty. Individual company directors can also face criminal charges. Courts have also begun issuing jail time as the default penalty for offending employers.
Authorities stressed that anyone breaching their visa conditions or working without permission faces prosecution. This includes both employees and employers. ImmD will continue aggressive enforcement and called on trafficking victims to report crimes.
The department conducts initial screenings of vulnerable arrestees like illegal workers to identify potential trafficking victims. Confirmed victims receive assistance like counseling, medical care, shelter and trafficking case support.
ImmD maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward illegal employment in Hong Kong. Last week’s raids demonstrate authorities’ commitment to enforcing immigration and employment laws.
