FDH, employer charged for illegal work in Sai Kung
Shatin Magistracy
A Filipino domestic worker and his employer were charged at the Shatin Magistrates Courts after the helper was caught allegedly working illegally in a pigsty in Sai Kung.
The police charged Joefrey A.B. with breach of condition of stay while his employer Yong Shing U was charged with aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the breach of condition of stay on October 4. Both men pleaded not guilty.
According to a police witness, he and
his colleague were conducting an operation against illegal workers in Sai Kung on April 17 when they saw Jeofrey picking up stones in a pigsty that was being renovated.
“He was squatting and picking stones and putting them inside a white bucket. He heard our walkie-talkie and he turned around and looked at us,” the policeman told Shatin Magistrate Winnie Lau during his court testimony on October 4.
“We asked him what he was doing there and then that male answered that his boss asked him to do cleaning work there,” he added.
The two defendants’ trial continues today (October 24).
On the other hand, the Immigration Department (Immd) mounted a joint operation with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Labour Department codenamed “Sahara” on October 10 to combat illegal employment activities in Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po and Tsim Sha Tsui.
A total of 13 illegal workers, 12 suspected employers and an overstayer were arrested.
During the operation, enforcement officers raided 1,176 target locations, including restaurants, guest houses, motels, street stalls, shops, a salon and residential flats.
Thirteen illegal workers and 12 employers were arrested. The illegal workers comprised 10 men and three women, aged 22 to 47.
Among them, seven men and a woman were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment.
Meanwhile, 10 men and two women, aged from 21 to 92, were suspected of employing the illegal workers. A female overstayer, aged 36, was also arrested.
“Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him 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,” an Immigration spokesman said.
” 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,” he added.