Sixty-nine suspected illegal workers and one local employer have been arrested in a Hong Kong-wide anti-illegal worker operation. Nine suspected forged second generation Hong Kong identity cards were found.

Immigration officers raided 18 locations, including commercial establishments, residential premises and a factory.

Sixty-nine Mainlanders, 47 men and 22 women, mostly from Guangdong, were arrested for breaching conditions of stay. One local man was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting others in taking up unapproved employment. Aged 19 to 58, the arrested people are being detained.

Visitors cannot work, paid or unpaid, without permission from the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to a $50,000 fine and two years jail. It is also an offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is a $350,000 fine and three years jail.