4 illegal workers sentenced to 15 months in prison

22nd July 2021 – (Hong Kong)  Four illegal workers comprising one Vietnamese and three Pakistanis were jailed by Shatin Magistrates’ Courts yesterday.

During operation “Twilight” conducted on 19th July Immigration Department (ImmD) investigators raided a restaurant in Tuen Mun. A Vietnamese female, aged 52, was arrested while working as a cleaning worker. Upon identity checking, she produced for inspection a recognisance form issued by the ImmD, which prohibits her from taking employment. Further investigation revealed that she was a non-refoulement claimant. An employer suspected of employing the illegal worker was also arrested and the investigation is ongoing.

 In addition, during a joint operation conducted by the ImmD and the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Champion” on April 12, ImmD investigators raided a Hong Kong International Airport cargo terminal. Three male Pakistani illegal workers, aged 31 to 45, were arrested while working as packers and porters. Upon identity checking, they produced for inspection recognisance forms issued by the ImmD, which prohibit them from taking employment. Further investigation revealed that they were non-refoulement claimants. An employer suspected of employing the three illegal workers was also arrested and an investigation is ongoing.

 The four illegal workers were charged at Shatin Magistrates’ Courts yesterday with taking employment after landing in Hong Kong unlawfully and remaining in Hong Kong without the authority of the Director of Immigration or while being a person in respect of whom a removal order or deportation order was in force. They pleaded guilty to the charge and were each sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment

The ImmD spokesman warned that, as stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order are 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 Court of Appeal has issued a guideline ruling that a sentence of 15 months’ imprisonment should be applied in such cases.

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