Hong Kong’s Immigration Department arrested 26 individuals—18 suspected illegal workers and eight employers—during a city-wide operation conducted on 14 November. Code-named "Swordfish," the sweep covered 52 locations ranging from restaurants and retail outlets to construction sites.
Those arrested include foreign domestic helpers and overstayers alleged to be working outside their visa conditions. Employers face up to HK $150,000 in fines and one year’s imprisonment if convicted of hiring persons not lawfully employable. The Department reiterated that employers must inspect a prospective worker’s Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or travel document before hiring.
![Immigration raids net 26 illegal workers and employers across Hong Kong]()
For corporate mobility teams, the message is clear: seconded staff and dependants may not undertake any paid or unpaid work unless their visa specifically permits it. Auditable onboarding procedures—passport scans, visa-status verification and record retention—are essential compliance safeguards.
The raids also included initial screenings for trafficking-in-persons (TIP) indicators. Identified victims will receive shelter, medical care and counselling. The Department encourages the public to report suspected illegal employment via a 24-hour hotline or online form.
While the crackdown targets mainly small employers, large multinationals using third-party contractors should review vendor compliance clauses to avoid vicarious liability and reputational damage.
Those arrested include foreign domestic helpers and overstayers alleged to be working outside their visa conditions. Employers face up to HK $150,000 in fines and one year’s imprisonment if convicted of hiring persons not lawfully employable. The Department reiterated that employers must inspect a prospective worker’s Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or travel document before hiring.
For corporate mobility teams, the message is clear: seconded staff and dependants may not undertake any paid or unpaid work unless their visa specifically permits it. Auditable onboarding procedures—passport scans, visa-status verification and record retention—are essential compliance safeguards.
The raids also included initial screenings for trafficking-in-persons (TIP) indicators. Identified victims will receive shelter, medical care and counselling. The Department encourages the public to report suspected illegal employment via a 24-hour hotline or online form.
While the crackdown targets mainly small employers, large multinationals using third-party contractors should review vendor compliance clauses to avoid vicarious liability and reputational damage.
