Four Mainland men have been jailed for working illegally in a foot massage centre.

Hu Yuhua, 27, Huang Junyuan, 36, Luo Qi, 28, and Yang Dehua, 31, each pleaded guilty at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts to one count of breaching their conditions of stay.

The first two defendants were each sentenced to two months' imprisonment while the other two were given three months.

Immigration Task Force officers and Police conducted a joint operation on August 25 and found the four providing foot bathing and massage services in North Point.

The first two admitted they started work as masseurs this month, while the other two started in June.

Each received an hourly wage of $40 except for the second defendant who claimed only a free meal was provided to him.

Visitors are not allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the prior permission of the Director of Immigration. Those who breach conditions of stay are liable to prosecution and a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for two years.