Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Swordfish” for four consecutive days from August 2 to 5, targeting foreign domestic helpers (helper) who breached their conditions of stay. A total of 24 persons, including 18 suspected illegal workers and six suspected employers, were arrested.
During the operation, ImmD investigators raided 66 target locations including restaurants, retail stores, guest houses, and commercial and residential buildings. The 18 suspected illegal workers comprised four men and 14 women, aged 19 to 54. Among them, three persons were current helpers, six persons were overstaying ex-helpers, three persons were permitted to stay in Hong Kong on visitor status, five persons were found to be holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment in Hong Kong, and one person was an imported worker. ImmD investigators found most of the suspected illegal workers at restaurants performing various jobs, including dishwashing, cooking, waiters and waitresses. Meanwhile, six suspected employers, aged 38 to 49, were in charge of the involved companies or restaurants and suspected of employing the suspected illegal workers.