The Immigration Department announced on 3 November that a series of eight-day territory-wide raids—codenamed ‘Contribute’ and ‘Rally’—resulted in the arrest of 19 suspected illegal workers and two suspected employers.
Officers targeted 41 locations, mainly construction sites and renovation projects. All of the alleged illegal workers were Mainland visitors holding permits that prohibit employment. The department reminded employers that hiring a person not lawfully employable now carries a maximum penalty of HK $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment following legislative changes last year.
![Hong Kong Immigration arrests 21 in week-long crackdown on illegal workers]()
While the numbers are small compared with the city’s 4-million-strong workforce, the operation signals tougher compliance checks as Hong Kong scales up talent visas and labour-import schemes. Companies engaging contractors should strengthen document-verification protocols and retain copies of employees’ Hong Kong ID cards or valid work visas.
The Immigration Department added that every arrested individual is screened for potential trafficking-in-persons indicators and offered support services if exploitation is suspected. A dedicated hotline (3861 5000) and online reporting portal remain open for whistle-blowers.
Global-mobility teams are advised to audit on-site staffing suppliers—especially in facilities management and fit-out projects—where subcontracting chains can obscure visa status.
Officers targeted 41 locations, mainly construction sites and renovation projects. All of the alleged illegal workers were Mainland visitors holding permits that prohibit employment. The department reminded employers that hiring a person not lawfully employable now carries a maximum penalty of HK $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment following legislative changes last year.
While the numbers are small compared with the city’s 4-million-strong workforce, the operation signals tougher compliance checks as Hong Kong scales up talent visas and labour-import schemes. Companies engaging contractors should strengthen document-verification protocols and retain copies of employees’ Hong Kong ID cards or valid work visas.
The Immigration Department added that every arrested individual is screened for potential trafficking-in-persons indicators and offered support services if exploitation is suspected. A dedicated hotline (3861 5000) and online reporting portal remain open for whistle-blowers.
Global-mobility teams are advised to audit on-site staffing suppliers—especially in facilities management and fit-out projects—where subcontracting chains can obscure visa status.
