Hong Kong authorities arrest 38 in anti-illegal worker operations

Hong Kong authorities have concluded a week-long, multi-departmental crackdown on illegal employment. The coordinated operations, codenamed “Twilight”, “Rainbow”, and “Champion”, took place between August 21 and August 27, targeting various locations including restaurants, markets, and warehouses.

A total of 38 individuals were detained during the raids. This includes 31 suspected illegal workers (21 men and 10 women aged 20 to 60), four men suspected of employing illegal workers, and three women detained as overstayers. Notably, four of the suspected workers were found holding recognisance forms that specifically prohibit them from undertaking employment.

The enforcement effort involved the Immigration Department, the Labour Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, Hong Kong Customs, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Investigations are ongoing to determine the employment arrangements and whether further employers or individuals are involved in these practices.