Two foreign nationals were sentenced to jail on Wednesday for performing illegal work in Hong Kong, the latest development in the city’s ongoing efforts to combat unlawful employment.
According to the Immigration Department, the incident occurred on November 6th during an anti-illegal worker operation. Immigration officers raided several locations, including restaurants and grocery shops, in the Islands District and arrested two Filipino foreign domestic helpers and one Filipino overstayer.
The two foreign domestic helpers were charged with breaching their conditions of stay by taking unauthorized employment. They pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 14 months and 6 weeks in prison, respectively.
“A helper should only perform domestic duties for the employer specified in their contract,” an Immigration Department spokesman stated. “They are not allowed to take up any other employment, including part-time work, with any other person.”
The spokesman emphasized that employing workers who are not legally allowed to work is a serious offense. Employers face penalties of up to a HK$500,000 fine and 10 years’ imprisonment. Directors, managers, and partners of companies found guilty may also face criminal liability.
Authorities said the investigation into the incident is ongoing, and more arrests are possible. The Immigration Department urged the public to report any suspected cases of illegal employment.
“We will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offenses,” the spokesman warned. “Employers should not defy the law by hiring illegal workers.”
The investigation against the remaining arrestees is ongoing, and more persons involved in the case may be arrested.
