Forty-four people were arrested in a crackdown on illegal employment activities in West Kowloon Region, Kwun Tong District, Tsuen Wan District and Hong Kong Island's Eastern District today.

The 44 are suspected immigration offenders, including 12 illegal workers and one local employer.

Immigration and Police officers raided 54 places, including hawker permitted areas, part-time pedestrian streets, targeted buildings and streets, and checked 91 people's proof of identity.

Of the 12 arrested illegal workers, six were non-ethnic Chinese illegal immigrants, five were non-ethnic Chinese visitors and one was a Mainland visitor. Of the non-ethnic Chinese arrestees, 10 were holders of recognisance forms.

It is an offence for illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal or deportation order to take up employment - paid or unpaid - or to establish or join in any business. Offenders are liable to a $50,000 fine and three years' prison.