Hong Kong immigration authorities arrested 19 people, including 13 suspected illegal workers, during a week-long crackdown on illegal employment that concluded Wednesday, officials said.
The Immigration Department conducted multiple operations between Jan. 16 and Jan. 22, targeting restaurants, residential units under renovation and grocery stores across the territory. The raids were carried out in coordination with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Labour Department under operations codenamed “Lightshadow,” “Champion,” “Windsand,” “Rainbow” and “Powerplayer.”
The 13 suspected illegal workers — two men and 11 women aged 24 to 62 — were arrested during the operations. Two of the women were holding recognisance forms that explicitly prohibited them from employment, authorities said.
Four people, including two men and two women aged 36 to 62, were arrested on suspicion of employing the illegal workers. Two additional suspects, a 35-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman, were arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the illegal employment scheme.
An Immigration Department spokesman said investigations into the suspected employers are ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
Under Hong Kong’s Immigration Ordinance, visitors are prohibited from taking employment without permission from the Director of Immigration. Violators face a maximum fine of 50,000 Hong Kong dollars ($6,400) and up to two years’ imprisonment.
The penalties are more severe for illegal immigrants, overstayers and those subject to removal or deportation orders, who face fines up to HK$50,000 and three years’ imprisonment for working in any capacity.
Employers convicted of hiring illegal workers face significantly increased penalties — up to HK$500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment, up from a previous maximum of HK$350,000 and three years. Company directors, managers and partners may also face criminal liability.
The spokesman emphasized that courts have established sentencing guidelines requiring immediate custodial sentences for employers of illegal workers. Employers are required to take “all practicable steps” to verify a person’s legal employment status, including inspecting identity documents and making appropriate inquiries.
The Immigration Department said it screens all arrested workers for potential trafficking or forced labor indicators as standard procedure. Identified victims are provided with medical services, counseling, shelter and other support services.
Authorities urged the public to report illegal employment activities through a dedicated hotline at 3861 5000 or via email at anti_crime@immd.gov.hk.
