Hong Kong authorities search 130 premises, arrest 19 in crackdown on illegal work
Most cases linked to catering sector, while police make further arrests over syndicate using mainland Chinese drivers to run illegal ride-hailing services
Hong Kong authorities searched more than 130 premises in a crackdown on illegal employment over the weekend, arresting 14 workers and five bosses, with most cases linked to the catering sector.
Police also said on Sunday they had made two further arrests in connection with a syndicate that allegedly recruited mainland Chinese drivers to operate illegal ride-hailing services in the city.
In the past week, authorities have made 38 arrests over illegal employment activities.
The Immigration Department raided more than 130 locations from Friday to Sunday in the latest phase of the citywide crackdown, with restaurants, retail shops, commercial buildings, industrial premises and flats among those targeted.
Between Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, police arrested 14 suspected illegal workers – three men and 11 women aged between 34 and 60. Eight were non-Chinese, while six were mainlanders.
One of those arrested was found to be holding a recognisance form, a temporary stay pass which prohibits employment. One suspect was also identified as an illegal entrant, authorities said.