Three illegal workers holding immigration recognisance forms were jailed for up to 14 months by Sha Tin Magistracy yesterday.

A 22-year-old South Asian was found working in a Mong Kok premises under renovation during an anti-illegal worker operation on February 2. He entered the city unlawfully in September 2006. Arrested for remaining in Hong Kong illegally and possession of dangerous drugs in March 2008, he was sentenced to 11 months' jail.

Last March he was jailed again for 10 months for burglary and released on recognisance after discharge. He was then hired as an odd-job worker removing debris from the renovated premises for $100 a day. He pleaded guilty to taking employment while a removal order was in force, and was jailed three months.

Two more South Asians, aged 27 and 34, were found working in a Jordan supermarket in the same crackdown. They entered Hong Kong unlawfully last May and in May 2007 respectively. They were arrested for remaining illegally and released on recognisance last June and in November 2007. They pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 14 months' jail.