Nine arrested in Hong Kong Immigration crackdown on illegal workers

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The arrests included seven suspected illegal workers and two suspected employers.

Hong Kong’s Immigration Department (ImmD), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force, conducted a series of territory-wide operations targeting illegal employment for four consecutive days from 25 to 28 August 2025.

The operations, codenamed "Twilight" and "Champion", resulted in the arrest of nine individuals – seven suspected illegal workers and two suspected employers.

During Operation Twilight, ImmD Task Force officers raided 12 locations, including commercial buildings, residential buildings, and a restaurant. In Operation Champion, enforcement officers raided 107 locations across Central and Tin Shui Wai districts.

The ImmD confirmed that an investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out.

An ImmD spokesperson reiterated that 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 prohibited from taking employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission from the Director of Immigration.

"Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties," said the spokesperson.

Under Section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person subject to a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, are strictly barred from working or engaging in business activities. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment.

Employers shall also face serious consequences for unlawful employment. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for employing a person not lawfully employable has been raised to HK$500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment.

Company directors, managers, secretaries, and partners may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has issued sentencing guidelines mandating immediate custodial sentences for employers of illegal workers.

Employers are legally obligated to take all practicable steps to verify a job seeker’s identity and immigration status, including inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, or valid travel documents if the individual does not hold a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Failure to do so may result in a maximum fine of HK$150,000 and one year’s imprisonment.

Photo / HKSAR Government Press Releases