Hong Kong anti-illegal work raids net 26 arrests
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's Immigration Department said anti-illegal work operations conducted across multiple districts over the past week led to 26 arrests. Those arrested included suspected illegal workers, suspected employers and two suspected overstayers after enforcement teams searched restaurants, industrial buildings and renovation units.
Key Points
- The operations ran from August 14 to August 20 and covered multiple districts across Hong Kong, targeting a range of workplaces
- Officers searched restaurants, industrial buildings and renovation units, with some operations carried out jointly with Police and the Labour Department.
- A total of 18 suspected illegal workers were arrested, comprising 12 men and six women aged between 24 and 63.
- Among the suspected illegal workers, six men were holders of recognizance forms, commonly known locally as “walking papers”, which do not permit employment.
- Authorities also arrested six suspected employers, five men and one woman aged 32 to 49, as well as two 45-year-old women suspected of overstaying
Why It Matters
The case points to continued enforcement against both unauthorized workers and those suspected of hiring them, with investigators saying inquiries into the employers are continuing and further arrests are possible. For Hong Kong readers, the operations show that restaurants, industrial premises and renovation sites remain regular targets for labour and immigration enforcement.