26 June 2012
A female Mainland visitor pleaded guilty to her charge of breach of condition of stay by establishing business as a dance teacher and was sentenced to two months' imprisonment suspended for two years at Shatin Magistrates' Court today (June 26).
During an anti-illegal worker operation mounted on June 21, 2012, the Immigration Task Force visited a centre which provided a dancing venue at North Point. A female Mainland resident, aged 22 and with visitor status, was found there. Upon enquiries, she admitted to officers that she had acted as a dance teacher on her own in the centre and charged $150 per hour as a teaching fee. She was then arrested for the offence of breach of condition of stay. Upon investigation, she admitted to holding two classes a week and having earned $3,000 to $10,000 per month.
"Visitors are not allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, or to establish or join in any business without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
The spokesman also appealed to the public to report illegal worker activities through the 24-hour immigration enquiry telephone hotline on 2824 1551, by fax on 2824 1166, by email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk or through the "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" System in the website www.immd.gov.hk