Category: MIL-OSI

36 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations  
     During the anti-illegal worker operations at various Lunar New Year fairs, ImmD officers raided multiple stalls at the events. Twelve suspected illegal workers and six suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised four men and eight women, aged 18 to 52. They were found selling goods at the stalls. Two men and four women, aged 33 to 49, were suspected of employing the illegal workers. Apart from mounting enforcement operations, ImmD deployed a promotional vehicle and ImmD officers to distribute “Don’t Employ Illegal Workers” leaflets and convey the message to Lunar New Year fair stall owners and other retailers across the territory.
 
     During other anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD officers raided multiple target locations including restaurants, retail stores and garages etc. Twelve suspected illegal workers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised three men and nine women, aged 20 to 54. Among them, two men and two women were holding recognisance forms which prohibit them from taking any employment, with one woman also being suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. The arrested suspected illegal workers were found performing dishwashing, garage mechanic and goods loading duties. Two men and one woman, aged 35 to 65, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. Furthermore, the suspected aiders and abettors arrested were three men aged 42 to 45. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
   An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
 
   The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged identity card or a identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.”
 
   The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
   According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
   Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
 
   For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:40

Public urged to observe road safety during Chinese New Year holidays 
     “Motorists must not drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs as this will contravene the law. Drink driving and drug driving will not only endanger motorists themselves, but also other road users. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs will significantly impair one’s driving ability. After drinking alcohol or taking drugs, one should use public transport services or arrange someone else to drive,” a spokesman for the TD said.

     “Motorists must not participate in illegal road racing and speeding. They should always maintain a steady and suitable speed, drive attentively at all times, observe road conditions and keep sufficient distance with the vehicle in front.”Issued at HKT 10:00

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FEHD steps up inspections of food premises selling poon choi during Chinese New Year period- do not entertain orders beyond handling capacity;
– purchase food ingredients from reliable suppliers;
– plan the preparation schedule carefully so that foods that are perishable or easily contaminated are not cooked too far in advance;
– train temporary food handlers before preparation of poon choi to make sure that they are familiar with the working environment and adhere to safe food preparation practices;
– maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands with liquid soap for at least 20 seconds before handling food to reduce the risk of food contamination;
– cook all ingredients thoroughly with the core temperature reaching 75 degrees C or above for at least 30 seconds;
– keep hot poon choi above 60 degrees C and chilled poon choi at 4 degrees C or below in the refrigerator till it reaches the customers;
– provide written consumption instructions to remind customers of the proper method of storing poon choi that if not for immediate consumption, hot poon choi should be kept at above 60 degrees C while chilled poon choi should be kept in the refrigerator at 4 degrees C or below and be thoroughly reheated before consumption; and
– deliver poon choi to the destination as soon as possible and avoid keeping it under room temperature for prolonged period.- consume the poon choi as soon as possible after it is collected or cooked, and not to keep it under room temperature for more than two hours;
– keep chilled poon choi at 4 degrees C or below to minimise its exposure to the danger zone of temperature between 4 degrees C and 60 degrees C, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth;
– the poon choi should be thoroughly reheated before consumption and consumed as soon as possible, or kept at temperatures above 60 degrees C;
– as poon choi is generally served in a large pot, a longer period of time is required to reheat it thoroughly with the core temperature reaching 75 degrees C or above for at least 30 seconds; and
– maintain a balanced diet and avoid eating too much food with high levels of energy, sugar, salt or fat.Issued at HKT 11:00

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Public reminded to keep venues clean while enjoying fireworks display 
     The LCSD, in collaboration with the law enforcement teams of relevant departments, will strengthen patrols at LCSD venues with large crowds, including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Salisbury Garden, Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Urban Council Centenary Garden, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park, Kai Tak Sky Garden, Kai Tak Promenade, Kwun Tong Promenade and Cha Kwo Ling Promenade along the Kowloon waterfront, as well as the Tamar Park, Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section), Wan Chai Temporary Promenade and East Coast Park (Phase 1) at the waterfront of the Hong Kong Island.
 
     The LCSD reminded members of the public to take their belongings with them when leaving the venues and not to leave trash behind.
 
     The LCSD also reminded members of the public that the above venues will be very crowded during the fireworks display. It will be important to remain patient, pay attention to safety, observe the crowd management measures at the venues, and comply with the Police’s instructions.
 
Issued at HKT 15:00

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CHP urges public to promptly receive seasonal influenza vaccination as severe paediatric influenza infection case reported 
　　The case involves a 15-year-old boy with underlying diseases. On February 12, he developed a fever. He was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre the following day (February 13) due to persistent fever and was admitted on the same day. He subsequently developed desaturation and shock, and was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of Princess Margaret Hospital for further treatment today because of worsening conditions. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis is influenza A infection complicated with pneumonia and heart failure. He is currently in serious condition.
 
     A preliminary investigation revealed that the boy has not yet received the 2025/26 SIV. He is a resident of a special school. A recent influenza outbreak was recorded in his school dormitory. The CHP staff has conducted site visit and advised the school to strengthen a series of infection control measures. Chemoprophylaxis against influenza was given to unaffected students and staff. The boy’s family members are asymptomatic. The CHP’s investigation is ongoing.
 
　　So far this year, five severe paediatric influenza cases have been recorded, involving children aged between 6 months and 15 years old. Three of the affected children had not received an SIV, including one case who received the 2025/26 SIV only three days before the onset of illness. As the patient was not protected by the vaccine, the case is not counted as being vaccinated. During the summer influenza season ending in early January, 25 severe paediatric influenza cases were recorded, including three fatal cases and involving children aged between 6 months to 17 years old. Among them, 20 cases (80 per cent) had not received an SIV (including one case who received the 2025/26 SIV only four days before the onset of illness).

     ​”Although the influenza activity in Hong Kong is currently at a low, influenza activity still remains at a relatively high level in many popular travel destinations for Hong Kong citizens, such as some areas in North America and Europe. Moreover, the overall influenza activity has increased again in Korea and Japan recently, with the major circulating virus strain having changed from the earlier influenza A (H3) to influenza B. With the increase in cross-border travel and the number of incoming visitors in the Chinese New Year, the risk of influenza transmission will also increase. Moreover, based on past experience, Hong Kong’s winter influenza season typically occurs in the first quarter. With the persistent cold weather and the possibility of a change in circulating virus strains, it cannot be ruled out that the influenza activity will increase again later. Receiving SIV is still one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. Vaccination also reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death from infection. The public should receive vaccination as soon as possible regardless of staying locally or planning to travel abroad, as it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body for sufficient protection against the influenza virus. All individuals aged 6 months or older, except those with known contraindications, should act promptly if they have not yet received an SIV, including those who contracted influenza in the past few months, in order to safeguard personal health,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
 
     “Recently, outbreaks of influenza continue to occur in schools. For children who did not join the SIV School Outreach Programme, parents should promptly bring their children to private doctors      
     He also reminded members of the public that, especially for children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, they should seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children’s condition. They should go to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates, for example, if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.Issued at HKT 20:34

Crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements for Che Kung Festival——————————————————————————— The right-turn lane of westbound Che Kung Miu Road between Chui
Tin Street and near the Che Kung Temple;
– The slow lane of northbound Chui Tin Street between Che Kung Miu
Road and the entrance of Sun Chui Estate near Sun Fong House; and
– The slow lane of southbound Chui Tin Street between Che Kung Miu
Road and the entrance of Sun Chui Estate near Sun Fong House.- Traffic along westbound Che Kung Miu Road cannot turn right to the private road of The Wai;
– Traffic along southbound Chui Tin Street cannot turn left to the road leading to the public car park on Chui Tin Street near Che Kung Temple;
– Traffic along northbound Chui Tin Street cannot turn right to the road leading to the public car park on Chui Tin Street near Che Kung Temple;
– Traffic along southbound Chui Tin Street cannot turn right to the entrance of Sun Chui Estate near Sun Fong House;
– Traffic along northbound Chui Tin Street cannot go straight to the private road outside The Wai;
– Traffic along westbound Che Kung Miu Road heading for southbound Chui Tin Street and the private road outside The Wai will be diverted via westbound Che Kung Miu Road, the roundabout and eastbound Che Kung Miu Road;
– Traffic along southbound Chui Tin Street heading for the entrance of Sun Chui Estate near Sun Fong House will be diverted via southbound Chui Tin Street, westbound Chui Tin Street, the roundabout, eastbound Chui Tin Street and northbound Chui Tin Street; and
– Traffic along northbound Chui Tin Street heading for the private
road outside The Wai will be diverted via westbound Che Kung Miu Road, the roundabout and eastbound Che Kung Miu Road.- The cycle track along the western riverside of Shing Mun River
Channel between Tai Wai Soccer Pitch and Che Kung Miu Road;
– The cycle track along the eastern riverside of Shing Mun River
Channel between Tai Wai Soccer Pitch and Man Lai Court;
– The cycle track connecting the eastern and western riverside of Shing Mun River Channel near Block 1 of Man Lai Court;
– The cycle tracks along both sides of Che Kung Miu Road between
Chui Tin Street and Sha Tin Tau Road;
– The cycle track inside the subway system at the junction between Che Kung Miu Road and Chui Tin Street;
– The cycle track inside the subway system at the junction between Che Kung Miu Road and Sha Tin Tau Road;
– The cycle track along southern kerbside lane of Che Kung Miu Road between Chui Tin Street and Ng Yuk Secondary School; and
– The cycle tracks along both sides of Chui Tin Street between Che Kung Miu Road and the unnamed road leading to public car park near the Che Kung Temple.Issued at HKT 15:33

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FEHD releases third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in February