By Trend News Line 2024-05-22 06:52:39.
**Illegal labourers from mainland China apprehended in Hong Kong**
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
In a recent operation by Hong Kong immigration officers, 15 suspected illegal labourers from mainland China were rounded up. These individuals were allegedly paid up to double the city’s minimum wage of HK$40 (US$5) per hour to work as cleaners and dishwashers. Deputy Commander Luk Pui-yin of the Immigration Department’s task force revealed that four of the group arrested during a raid on a Yau Ma Tei flat on Wednesday were identified as illegal immigrants, while the others entered the city as visitors and overstayed their permitted time.
**Illegal workers detained in a daybreak raid**
She stated that the workers – consisting of four men and 11 women – were detained during a daybreak raid on a flat in Yau Ma Tei suspected of being used as a dormitory for illegal workers. During the operation, officers seized 17 bogus Hong Kong identity cards described by Luk as of “poor quality” and “easily distinguishable” from real ones. Investigations revealed that these workers were each paid between HK$50 and HK$80 per hour for various illegal jobs, including cleaning, dishwashing, and odd-job work.
**Investigation into illegal working conditions**
You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?
According to the Immigration Department, the raided flat on Reclamation Street was approximately 500 sq ft in size and subdivided into four rooms, each housing one or two bunk beds. Luk stressed that investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible for hiring the suspects, overseeing the flat, and any potential involvement of syndicates providing “one-stop services” to them. The team did not rule out further arrests, as operations continue to safeguard local workers’ interests and maintain stability in the job market.
**Penalties for illegal workers and employers**
Luk issued a warning that under the Immigration Ordinance, illegal workers could face up to two years in jail and a HK$50,000 fine. Possessing or using a forged Hong Kong identity card carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a HK$100,000 fine. Employing an illegal worker can result in a maximum penalty of a HK$500,000 fine and a 10-year jail sentence. The authorities are committed to enforcing these penalties to deter illegal labour practices in the city.
**Continued vigilance against illegal labour**
The deputy commander emphasized that such operations would persist to ensure the protection of local workers and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Immigration authorities are dedicated to upholding the law and prosecuting those who flout immigration regulations. Luk urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to illegal labour to help maintain the integrity of the job market and uphold the rights of lawful workers in Hong Kong..
– Hong Kong immigration officers arrest suspected illegal labourers
– Hong Kong immigration officers detain suspected mainland China labourers.
