Operation against illegal workers has been ongoing since October 31 until November 8 in Hong Kong, involving coordinated efforts by the Immigration Department and multiple agencies. The investigative actions, including 'Morning Light Action' and 'Surprise Action' in collaboration with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, as well as 'Champion Action' and 'Wind and Sand Action' in partnership with the police, led to the arrest of 25 people. Among them, 19 suspects of being illegal workers, 1 employer, and 5 people who overstayed were apprehended. The arrested suspects included 10 men and 9 women, ranging in age from 20 to 54. Three men and a woman held 'street documents', and another woman was suspected of using and possessing a counterfeit identity card; the arrested employer was a 55-year-old man suspected of employing illegal workers; the overstayers arrested were one man and four women, aged between 29 and 39. Ongoing investigations into the involved employers may lead to additional arrests. The public can report incidents of employing illegal workers through a dedicated hotline (185 185), fax (2824 1166), email ([email protected]), or via the Immigration Department's website (www.immd.gov.hk).
Operation details indicate that the authorities targeted various workplaces during the campaign, such as restaurants, construction sites, and factory buildings, indicating a wide-ranging operation to root out illegal labor. Such actions are part of a broader strategy by Hong Kong's government to strengthen enforcement against illegal workers and employers, which is a significant issue affecting the local labor market and compliance with immigration laws. The ongoing investigation highlights the government’s commitment to not only arresting but also thoroughly investigating suspected individuals, signaling a deterrent stance against illegal employment practices.
The scale and method of the operations reflect a well-coordinated effort to tackle illegal labor, reflecting both the complexity of the issue and the government's commitment to controlling it. While specific methods such as undercover surveillance and surprise raids were employed, the wide distribution of arrests across different industries suggests a comprehensive approach to the problem. This operation contributes to the ongoing efforts by Hong Kong authorities to maintain a legal and fair labor market, potentially impacting not just employers but also the broader community’s financial and social stability.