10 May 2019
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a territory-wide anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Twilight" from May 6 to 9. A total of 11 illegal workers and three suspected employers were arrested.
During the operation, ImmD Task Force officers raided 29 target locations including a bar, a commercial building, a park, restaurants and sport centres. Eleven illegal workers and three employers were arrested. The illegal workers comprised six men and five women, aged 25 to 55. Among them, one woman was a holder of a recognisance form, which prohibits her from taking any employment. Furthermore, one woman was suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Meanwhile, one man and two women, aged 37 to 55, were suspected of employing the illegal workers.
"Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, 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. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties," an ImmD spokesman said.
The spokesman warned that, as stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order are prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment. The Court of Appeal has issued a guideline ruling that a sentence of 15 months' imprisonment should be applied in such cases. It is an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card or a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and up to 10 years' imprisonment.