Inter-departmental operation in Yau Tsim district combats illegal workers and vice activities, arrests 22

Yau Tsim District police, in collaboration with Immigration Department officers, conducted a joint operation codenamed "CHAMPION" on Wednesday targeting illegal workers and vice activities in the district, resulting in the arrest of 22 individuals.

During the operation, officers arrested 17 mainland Chinese women holding two-way permits and 5 foreign women, aged between 23 and 49, on suspicion of "overstaying" and "breach of conditions of stay."

All arrested individuals are currently detained for investigation, with some to be handed over to relevant departments for follow-up action.

Police emphasized that under Section 38AA of Chapter 115 of the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance, illegal immigrants, persons subject to removal or deportation orders, overstayers, or refused entrants are prohibited from taking up paid or unpaid employment, or establishing or participating in any business. Conviction may result in a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and three years' imprisonment. Employers who hire individuals not permitted to work legally - including illegal immigrants, persons subject to removal orders, overstayers, or refused entrants - face maximum penalties of a HK$500,000 fine and ten years' imprisonment. Anyone violating their conditions of stay may be subject to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and two years' imprisonment upon conviction.