Hong Kong’s Immigration Department (ImmD) has intensified its enforcement against illegal employment, announcing on 18 September that 35 people were detained in a series of territory-wide operations carried out between 11 and 17 September. Code-named “Lightshadow”, “Twilight”, “Contribute” and “Silverwing”, the blitz covered restaurants, retail shops and renovation sites as well as joint sweeps with the Police, Labour Department and other agencies. Those arrested include 22 suspected illegal workers, six suspected employers, one alleged aider and abettor and six overstayers. Three of the workers were asylum-seekers holding recognisance papers that prohibit employment; one woman is additionally accused of using a forged Hong Kong identity card. ImmD reminded businesses that employing a person who is “not lawfully employable” now carries a maximum penalty of HK$500,000 and 10 years’ jail following amendments to the Immigration Ordinance. Directors and managers may also face personal criminal liability and the High Court has laid down guidelines calling for immediate custodial sentences. For global-mobility and HR teams the message is clear: tighten right-to-work checks and keep photocopies of employees’ identity documents. Multinationals using labour subcontractors should confirm that passport and visa details have been independently verified. With Hong Kong stepping up workplace raids—including evening visits to renovation sites—non-compliance could jeopardise corporate reputations and expatriate visa sponsors. ImmD also highlighted its trafficking-in-persons (TIP) screening protocol, noting that vulnerable workers found during raids are assessed for forced-labour indicators and offered support services. Businesses with supply-chain exposure should ensure their own grievance mechanisms can interface with this official referral system.
Source: HKSAR Government Press Release
