The Immigration Department prosecuted 1,013 illegal workers last year, marking an 88 percent jump from 2022, with the police arresting 98 non-ethnic Chinese individuals working illegally as food delivery riders.
Additionally, 169 employers were charged for hiring illegal workers last year, a more than 50 percent rise from the 109 cases recorded in 2023.
In a written response to lawmaker Edmund Wong Chun-sek, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung stated that the government is committed to combating illegal labor through strict enforcement.
Tang noted that the government amended the Immigration Ordinance in 2021, increasing the maximum penalty from a fine of HK$350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to HK$500,000 and 10 years.
He noted that growing public demand for online platform services, including food delivery and ride-hailing, has prompted authorities to take targeted measures, including joint operations when necessary.
Regarding food delivery platforms, the Immigration Department and police arrested 180 individuals in operations conducted between 2024 and May this year.
Among them, 98 were non-ethnic Chinese individuals accused of working illegally as delivery riders, while 54 local residents were detained for reselling or renting their delivery accounts to illegal workers. Four others were arrested for hiring illegal laborers, and the remaining individuals faced charges for other offenses, including using fake documents.
In the ride-hailing sector, four people were arrested during the same period for violating their stay conditions.
(Cheng Wong)
