869 illegal workers arrested from Jan to Aug, says labor chief

A total of 869 illegal workers were arrested from January to August this year, representing a 2.8 percent increase compared to last year’s monthly average, said Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han.

Sun reported that the Immigration Department (ImmD) recorded over 12,000 enforcement actions against illegal workers in the first eight months of this year, a 5.1 percent increase compared to the monthly average in 2024.

A total of 869 illegal workers and 407 employers were arrested, reflecting increases of 2.8 percent and 19 percent, respectively, he said. Additionally, 756 illegal workers and 127 employers faced prosecution. 

Sun stressed that the inter-departmental task force against illegal employment will continue to monitor the situation and develop comprehensive strategies to safeguard local employment.

To combat recruitment and arrangement of illegal workers through online platforms, Sun said that the ImmD’s Cybercrime and Forensics Investigation Group will maintain online patrols and conduct enforcement actions such as sting operations. 

In cases involving mainland online platforms, the ImmD will collaborate with mainland authorities to exchange intelligence and urge them to remove related posts, he added. 

Meanwhile, since June 30, the government has permitted individuals who qualified under the Technical Professional List to come to Hong Kong for the eight specified skilled trades. 

Sun noted that the ImmD has received related inquiries and is processing applications. Relevant statistics will be released in due course, with a review planned a year after implementation.