Hong Kong anti-illegal labour operation nets 15 suspects
Hong Kong's Immigration Department arrested 15 people in an anti-illegal labour operation. Authorities warn employers face tougher penalties, including up to HK$500,000 fines and 10 years in jail for hiring illegal workers.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has arrested 15 people in an operation targeting illegal employment, the government announced on 13 November 2026.
A department spokesman said anyone who violates their conditions of stay commits an offence. All visitors must obtain prior approval from the Director of Immigration before taking up any employment, whether paid or unpaid. Offenders face prosecution and a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and two years in jail upon conviction. Those who aid or abet such offences are equally liable.
The spokesman warned that under Section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, illegal entrants, people subject to removal or deportation orders, overstayers and those refused entry cannot take up paid or unpaid employment or run any business. Offenders face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and three years in jail. Under Section 20(1)(a) of the same ordinance, if a person is convicted of an offence punishable by at least two years' imprisonment, the Chief Executive may issue a deportation order barring that person from ever remaining in Hong Kong. Using or possessing a forged or another person's identity card is also illegal, carrying a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and 10 years in jail.
Employing a person who is not lawfully employable is a serious offence, the spokesman stressed. For employers who hire illegal entrants, people subject to removal or deportation orders, overstayers or those refused entry, the maximum penalty has been raised from HK$350,000 and three years in jail to HK$500,000 and 10 years. Company directors, managers, secretaries and partners may also face criminal liability. The High Court has issued sentencing guidelines requiring immediate imprisonment for employers of illegal workers.
Under court precedent, before hiring anyone, employers must take all practicable steps to verify the worker's legal status. Besides checking the employee's identity card, they must ask questions, and they cannot rely on any answer that would not raise reasonable doubts about legality as a defence. If a job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent resident identity card, the employer must also check a valid travel document. Violators face a maximum fine of HK$150,000 and one year in jail. The spokesman urged all employers not to break the law, vowing that the Immigration Department would continue strict enforcement.
The department follows standard procedures to screen for trafficking and forced labour victims. All vulnerable people arrested—including illegal workers, illegal entrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers—undergo an initial assessment. If indicators of trafficking or forced labour appear, staff use a standard checklist for a full investigation and identification. Victims receive support including emergency intervention, medical treatment, counselling, shelter and other services. The department urged victims to report such crimes immediately.
Members of the public can report illegal employment via the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax 2824 1166, email [email protected], or the online reporting form at www.immd.gov.hk.
