Fifteen Mainlanders have been arrested for breaching their conditions of stay.

Acting on intelligence, 15 Immigration Department officers conducted identity checks at various locations in Tsim Sha Tsui East today and made the arrests. Aged between 28 and 54, they were working as garbage collectors.

Visitors are not allowed to take up employment, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration.

Those breaching conditions of stay are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for two years.

It is also an offence to employ someone who is not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is a fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years.