Hong Kong’s Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a week-long series of joint operations that culminated on 15 October 2026 with the arrest of 15 people for suspected breaches of the Immigration Ordinance. Code-named “Twilight”, “Rainbow”, “Champion” and “Flabbergast”, the raids targeted restaurants, retail outlets and industrial buildings across the territory. Twelve alleged illegal workers—eight men and four women aged 20-54—a suspected employer, an aider and abettor, and one overstayer were detained. An ImmD spokesperson emphasised that working in Hong Kong without authorisation is a criminal offence punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment and a HK$50,000 fine, while employers who hire such workers face penalties of up to HK$500,000 and 10 years behind bars. The department highlighted recent High Court sentencing guidelines mandating immediate custodial sentences for offending employers, signalling the government’s zero-tolerance stance. The operation reflects heightened enforcement ahead of the upcoming APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting, during which Hong Kong expects an influx of visitors and temporary staff. Businesses in hospitality, F&B and construction—sectors often reliant on short-term labour—are reminded to conduct rigorous right-to-work checks, including verifying travel documents if prospective employees lack permanent identity cards. Compliance consultants recommend that multinationals update onboarding protocols and audit subcontractors to avoid reputational and legal fallout. From a broader mobility perspective, the crackdown serves as a deterrent to overstayers who exploit visitor visas to seek employment, and aligns with regional efforts to combat human trafficking and forced labour. The ImmD said all detainees undergo screening for trafficking indicators, with support services offered to any identified victims. Employers are urged to use the department’s online platform to verify work eligibility and to call the 185 185 hotline to report suspected illegal employment. The government’s toughened penalties—introduced last year—have already yielded results: illegal-worker prosecutions fell 12 percent in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Officials plan to continue surprise inspections, particularly in industries with a history of non-compliance, underscoring that sustained vigilance is key to protecting local jobs and maintaining an orderly migration regime.
