Immigration Department (ImmD) arrested 13 suspected illegal workers and two alleged employers during a series of territory-wide operations from December 5 to 11, including a targeted check at Lo Wu Control Point, where a mainland man was caught using a fake construction worker card.
The arrests took place across multiple sites such as laundries, renovation flats and warehouses during operations codenamed Twilight, Contribute and Champion, the last conducted jointly with police.
Among those detained were five men and seven women aged 25 to 67, including two women holding recognizance forms that forbid employment.
One 42-year-old mainland visitor was stopped at Lo Wu on December 9 after presenting a suspected forged registration card while attempting to work illegally.
Investigations into the two arrested employers, aged 54 and 71, continue with further arrests possible.
Authorities reminded the public that hiring illegal workers now carries a maximum penalty of a HK$500,000 fine and ten years in jail, with courts routinely imposing immediate prison terms.
Employers must actively verify a worker’s right to employment, simply checking an ID card is no longer sufficient defence.
All arrested individuals were screened for signs of human trafficking, with support offered to any confirmed victims. Immigration officials pledged continued tough enforcement against illegal employment across the city.
