In a robust series of operations aimed at curbing illegal employment, the Immigration Department (ImmD) has arrested 22 suspected illegal workers, along with five employers and three overstayers, during a four-day enforcement initiative that concluded on September 12.
Codenamed “Lightshadow” and “Twilight,” the territory-wide operations were complemented by a joint effort with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Labour Department, known as “Powerplayer.” The operations spanned 34 locations, including renovation sites and restaurants, where ImmD Task Force officers detained six suspected illegal workers. This group comprised five men and one woman, aged 23 to 44, with two men holding recognisance forms barring them from employment.
During the “Powerplayer” operation, enforcement officers targeted 100 locations across districts such as Central, Eastern, Wan Chai, and Western. Here, 16 illegal workers were apprehended, including seven men and nine women, aged 19 to 57. Notably, three men and three women from this group were also found to be holders of recognisance forms. Additionally, one man and two women were suspected of possessing forged Hong Kong identity cards.
An ImmD spokesman emphasized the seriousness of these violations. “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay is guilty of an offence,” he stated, highlighting that visitors are prohibited from working in Hong Kong without explicit permission. Penalties for such offences can include a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years in prison.
Furthermore, the spokesman warned of severe repercussions for employers who hire illegal workers. Recent amendments to the Immigration Ordinance have escalated penalties for employing non-lawfully employable individuals to a maximum fine of $500,000 and ten years’ imprisonment. The court has established clear guidelines mandating immediate custodial sentences for employers found guilty of these offences.
Employers are required to take proactive steps to verify the lawful employability of potential employees, including a thorough inspection of identity documents. Failure to do so will not be accepted as a valid defence in court.
In alignment with its commitment to combat trafficking in persons (TIP), the ImmD conducts initial screenings of vulnerable individuals apprehended during operations. Should any TIP indicators emerge, a comprehensive assessment is conducted to identify victims, who are then offered various support services, including medical care, counselling, and temporary accommodation.
The ImmD reiterated its commitment to stringent enforcement measures, urging employers to comply with the law and avoid the pitfalls of illegal employment practices. The department continues to prioritize the safety and legality of the workforce in Hong Kong.
