Revisions will be made to plug loopholes that allow illegal workers to lodge claims from the Employees Compensation Assistance Fund, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip says.

The fund's board recently approved an application from the wife of a Mainland illegal worker who died in an industrial accident in 2002, following a District Court judgment.

Mr Ip said although the court exercised its discretion, the decision is not in line with Government policy combating illegal workers. Relevant laws are under review and the Labour Advisory Board will be consulted to plug the loopholes.

More than 1,000 illegal workers have been prosecuted in this year's first quarter, with many jailed. The quarter also saw 50 employers jailed and 100 prosecuted for hiring illegals.