The Immigration Department has arrested 10 suspected illegal workers and two local employers in an anti-illegal worker operation aimed at combating illegal workers selling goods at Chinese New Year fairs.

In the two-day operation ended today, Immigration investigators raided targeted stalls in the Chinese New Year fairs in Victoria Park, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long. 

The 10 suspected illegal workers, five men and five women aged 17 to 52, are mostly from Guangdong and Fujian. They were all detained for further enquiries. 

Two Hong Kong men - aged 44 and 45 - were arrested on suspicion of being the employers of illegal workers. They were released on bail of $2,000.

Stiff penalties for law breakers

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

Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for two years. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalty.

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

As a deterrent measure against illegal employment, the High Court laid down a new sentencing guideline in September 2004: The employer of an illegal worker should be sentenced to an immediate custodial sentence.