Cases and arrests involving bogus marriages in Hong Kong decreased last year, aided by active intelligence gathering and enhanced cooperation between the Immigration Department and mainland law enforcement, officials said.
Assistant Principal Immigration Officer (Investigation) Hui Chi-kin said the department set up a dedicated task force in 2006 to combat sham marriages through intelligence-led operations, verifying relationships and investigating syndicates. Its cybercrime and forensic unit monitors online platforms and social media for suspicious recruitment messages.
The department also strengthens scrutiny of cross-border marriage registrations, checking backgrounds and marital history. Since the zero-quota policy for non-local pregnant women, it reviews cases of those booking deliveries in Hong Kong, especially marriages followed quickly by pregnancy, to prevent quota abuse.
Entry checks at control points are enhanced for suspicious visitors claiming to visit spouses on family visit permits. As many bogus marriage participants aim to work illegally, operations against illegal labor also analyze marital backgrounds.
The department shares information on mainland residents convicted of sham marriage offenses with mainland authorities for stricter visa and one-way permit review, preventing their return for illegal activities. Mainland authorities also refer suspected cases to the department when processing family visit permits and one-way permits, with joint cross-border operations when needed.
關鍵詞：Immigration Department; bogus marriages; cross-border
