29 May 2015
The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" on May 28 in New Territories North District. During the operation, eight Mainland visitors comprising four men and four women aged 43 to 60 were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at Castle Peak Road - San Tin. The goods included milk powder, daily necessities, cosmetics and electronic products.
Since September 2012, a number of "Windsand" operations have been conducted, during which a total of 2 297 Mainlanders and 14 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 216 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay while the remaining 2 081 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 206 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to three months and charges were withdrawn for the other 10 people.
"Visitors are not allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties. The Immigration Department will continue to take enforcement action with related law enforcement departments against the offences concerned," an Immigration Department spokesman said.