Hong Kong Immigration Department Cracks Down on Illegal Workers and Employers

The Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) conducted a four-day operation, 'Swordfish', from August 2 to 5, targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached their conditions of stay. The operation resulted in the arrest of 24 persons, including 18 suspected illegal workers and six suspected employers. Investigators raided 66 locations, including restaurants, retail stores, and guest houses, and found most of the suspected illegal workers performing various jobs, including dishwashing, cooking, and waitressing.

Key Takeaways:

• The operation, 'Swordfish', was conducted by the Hong Kong Immigration Department from August 2 to 5, resulting in the arrest of 24 persons, including 18 suspected illegal workers and six suspected employers.
• The 18 suspected illegal workers comprised four men and 14 women, aged 19 to 54, and were found performing various jobs, including dishwashing, cooking, and waitressing.
• Six suspected employers, aged 38 to 49, were in charge of the involved companies or restaurants and suspected of employing the suspected illegal workers.
• The Immigration Department reminds employers that hiring illegal workers is a serious offense, punishable by a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment.
• The department also warns that failing to inspect a prospective employee's identity card and make enquiries regarding the person's lawful employability prior to employment is an offense, punishable by a maximum fine of $150,000 and one year's imprisonment.
• The Immigration Department has increased the maximum penalty for employing a person who is not lawfully employable from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment.
• The department will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offenses and will provide support and assistance to identified trafficking in persons (TIP) victims.

Statistics:

• A total of 18 suspected illegal workers were arrested during the operation, comprising four men and 14 women, aged 19 to 54.
• Six suspected employers, aged 38 to 49, were arrested during the operation.
• 66 locations were raided during the operation, including restaurants, retail stores, and guest houses.
• The Immigration Department will provide support and assistance to identified TIP victims, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter, temporary accommodation, and other supporting services.

Sources:

• Hong Kong Immigration Department news release, August 6
• Hong Kong Immigration Department news release, August 6