HK resident among 4 arrested in Okinawa over illegal work at dive shop

Japanese media reported that a dive shop in Okinawa is suspected of employing foreigners without proper work visas as diving instructors, with the owner and three employees—four people in total—arrested and later charged, including individuals from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

According to Japanese media, the Nago Coast Guard launched an investigation after receiving a tip and arrested a 50-year-old Chinese owner and three male foreign employees in their 20s and 30s on October 18, referring the case to prosecutors. The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office charged the four on Monday on suspicion of violating Japan's Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

Investigations indicate the Chinese owner arranged for three people without proper work permits to work as instructors at the dive shop between August and September this year, suspected of facilitating illegal employment. The three employees, from Hong Kong and Taiwan, were suspected of working as diving instructors and underwater guides without the required qualifications or permits. Two lacked the residency status required for diving instructors, and one had no work visa.

Hong Kong's Immigration Department said that after learning of the incident, it immediately sought information through the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR and the Chinese Consulate-General in Fukuoka, including the identities of those involved. It has not received any requests for assistance from Hong Kong residents and will continue to maintain close contact with the two offices and monitor developments.

The department reminded Hong Kong residents abroad needing assistance to call the 24-hour Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit hotline at (852) 1868, or seek help through the Immigration Department mobile app, WhatsApp, WeChat or an online form.

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