ImmD arrests seven in crackdown on illegal mainland workers for low-cost renovations

The Immigration Department (ImmD) on Thursday arrested seven individuals involved in hiring illegal renovation workers from the mainland to provide low-cost services in Hong Kong.

The suspects include six male mainland residents aged 22 to 41 — five entered as visitors and one under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme — plus a 45-year-old Hong Kong man who ran the renovation company involved.

The operation followed reports of mainland companies advertising comprehensive, low-priced renovation packages on social media, using illegal workers to cut costs.

After detailed investigation and intelligence analysis, officers targeted a newly occupied housing estate in Sheung Shui and inspected 143 residential units.

The six illegal workers were caught performing various tasks, including site measurements, painting, flooring, electrical and plumbing installations, furniture assembly, and final cleaning.

Their daily wages ranged from HK$300 to HK$500, paid in cash.

ImmD also discovered that some Hong Kong renovation firms subcontract projects to mainland companies via platforms such as Xiaohongshu, with those firms arranging for illegal workers to enter Hong Kong.

Probes into suspected employers continue, and further arrests remain possible.