The Immigration Department (ImmD) has arrested 21 people following an eight-day citywide operation targeting illegal employment across Hong Kong.
The operation, which began last Tuesday, covered 47 locations across the city, including restaurants, retail shops, entertainment venues, foreign domestic helper agencies, and commercial buildings.
In one of the raids, officers swooped down on a motocross training site in Sheung Shui on Sunday, arresting two 35-year-old Filipino male domestic helpers who were dressed in the facility’s uniform and caps.
Investigations revealed that their employer, the site’s owner, had allegedly hired them to perform maintenance, cleaning, and even instruct clients in motorcycle riding — duties outside the scope of their domestic helper contracts.
In addition to their standard monthly wages, the two helpers were reportedly paid extra amounts ranging from HK$500 to HK$2,000. Authorities noted that the training site targeted both local clients and foreign domestic helpers with limited-time promotional offers.
It was further understood that neither of the arrested workers held driving licenses or professional qualifications, posing potential safety risks to participants.
In a separate operation in Tai Po, two Filipino female domestic helpers, aged 32 and 51, were arrested for allegedly working as kitchen assistants at a barbecue site. One of their employers was identified as the site’s owner, raising suspicions that some employers were exploiting their helpers for unauthorized labor.
Elsewhere, illegal workers were arrested at Chinese restaurants and eateries, where they were reportedly paid daily wages of between HK$100 and HK$400 for dishwashing and cleaning work.
The overall operation led to the arrest of 21 individuals — including 14 suspected illegal workers, comprising three men and 11 women — mainly from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh, aged between 27 and 51.
Among them were five current domestic helpers, four overstaying ex-helpers, two recognisance form holders prohibited from employment, one visitor, one illegal immigrant, and one imported laborer.
Seven employers, all Hong Kong residents aged 30 to 74, were also arrested. They included company owners, managers, and the contractual employers of the arrested helpers.
Authorities reiterated their zero-tolerance stance toward illegal employment, stressing that investigations are ongoing and further arrests or prosecutions may follow.
They also reminded employers that foreign domestic helpers are only permitted to perform household duties specified in their employment contracts.
Under the Immigration Ordinance, employers who hire persons not lawfully employable — including illegal immigrants, overstayers, persons subject to removal or deportation orders, or refused port entrants — face a maximum penalty of a HK$500,000 fine and 10 years’ imprisonment.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected illegal employment through the ImmD’s 24-hour hotline at 3861 5000, via fax, email, or its online reporting platform.
