The Immigration Department, Police and the Labour Department arrested 22 illegal workers and seven employers today as the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2009 took effect.

The crackdown started at 8am and ended at 5.30pm, seeing raids on 76 workplaces in Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi, Pat Heung and Ta Kwu Ling, including recycling depots, warehouses, industrial buildings, logistics companies and car park loading areas. A total of 205 people's identities were checked.

Of the 22 arrested illegal workers, eight were non-ethnic Chinese illegal immigrants, nine were non-ethnic Chinese visitors and five were Mainland visitors. Eight of the non-ethnic Chinese arrestees were recognisance-form holders.

Under the new law illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order taking any paid or unpaid employment, or establishing or joining in any business, faces three years' jail and a $50,000 fine.