In a coordinated effort to tackle illegal activities, the Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department conducted a joint operation in Mong Kok on August 25, resulting in the arrest of two women suspected of being illegal workers.
The women, aged 21 and 35, were apprehended while allegedly engaging in unauthorized hawking activities on a pedestrian footbridge. Both are foreign domestic helpers, a role that legally restricts them to performing domestic duties specified in their Standard Employment Contracts.
An ImmD spokesman emphasized the strict regulations surrounding foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong, stating, “A foreign domestic helper should only perform domestic duties for the employer specified in the Standard Employment Contract. The helper cannot carry out any non-domestic work or engage in any business activities, whether paid or unpaid.”
Violations of these conditions can lead to serious consequences. Offenders face prosecution, with penalties that include fines of up to HK$50,000 (approximately US$6,400) and potential imprisonment for up to two years. The spokesman also noted that individuals assisting or encouraging such activities could also be prosecuted.
As part of their standard procedure, the ImmD conducts initial screenings of vulnerable individuals — including illegal workers and potential trafficking victims — during enforcement actions. If any indicators of trafficking in persons (TIP) are detected, ImmD officers will carry out a comprehensive assessment to identify victims and the nature of their exploitation.
Victims identified as trafficking survivors are offered various forms of support, including medical services, counseling, and temporary accommodation. The ImmD has urged anyone who suspects they may be a TIP victim to report their circumstances to the authorities immediately.
The operation underscores the ongoing efforts of Hong Kong authorities to uphold immigration laws and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.