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11 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations

HK

11 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations
HK

HK

11 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations

2024-07-10 19:42 Last Updated At:19:58

Immigration Department Crackdown on Illegal Food Delivery Couriers in 'Lightshadow' Operation: Eight Suspected Workers Arrested Along with Three Aiders and Abettors

The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed "Lightshadow" to combat illegal food delivery couriers for three consecutive days from July 8 to today (July 10). A total of eight suspected illegal workers and three suspected aiders and abettors were arrested.

During the anti-illegal worker operations, proof of identity checks were conducted on 93 food delivery couriers by ImmD Task Force officers.Eightsuspected illegal workersand three suspected aiders and abettors were arrested. The eight arrested suspected illegal workers were non-ethnic Chinese males aged 20 to 45. All were found to be holders of recognisance forms and were non-refoulement claimants, which prohibit them from taking any employment in Hong Kong. Among them, three men were also suspected of illegally using electric mobility devices. Relevant cases will be referred to the Hong Kong Police Force for follow-up action.

Furthermore, three suspected aiders and abettors were Hong Kong residents age 19 to 45. The one man and two women were arrested for being suspected of a conspiracy to defraud delivery platforms by selling or renting their food delivery courier accounts to the illegal workers.

An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."

The spokesman warned, "As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment."

The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.

According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesmanreminded all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.

Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

11 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

11 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025

Officiated by Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Pan Yundong and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, a reception in celebration of International Customs Day (ICD) 2025 was held by Hong Kong Customs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (January 21).

The World Customs Organization (WCO) set the theme of this year's ICD as "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity", highlighting the crucial and diverse roles of Customs in streamlining customs clearance procedures, safeguarding society safety, and fostering economic growth.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered a pre-recorded speech to express his appreciation for the unwavering dedication of Hong Kong Customs in shaping Hong Kong into a world city and trade hub. He emphasised that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He expressed his confidence that Hong Kong Customs will continue to promote international co-operation and enhance Hong Kong's roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Mainland and the world.

In his speech, Mr Chan elaborated on the diverse responsibilities of Hong Kong Customs in streamlining clearance procedures, facilitating trade and ensuring the well-being and safety of society. He also highlighted the significance of Hong Kong Customs' role as the Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific region of the WCO, underscoring Hong Kong's proactive and leading role in global customs affairs. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong Customs would continue to tell good stories of Hong Kong to a worldwide audience, and will remain committed to contributing to the overall development of the country and the Chinese modernisation process.

Hong Kong Customs became a member of the WCO in 1987, and ICD has become an annual event of Hong Kong Customs ever since. At the celebration reception, Mr Pan presented WCO Certificates of Merit to Hong Kong Customs' officers and business stakeholders in recognition of their remarkable contributions to various customs affairs pertinent to the theme of ICD.

Over 300 guests, including officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, representatives of various offices of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and Customs administrations of the Mainland and Macao, Consuls-General, foreign Customs attachés, as well as private stakeholders, attended the reception.

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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