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Joint operation to flush out illegal immigrants
A territory-wide operation against illegal immigration jointly mounted by the Police, Immigration Department and Labour Department has resulted in the arrests of 142 people.
The operation is part of the Government's continuous effort to flush out illegal immigrants.
The 96 people arrested by the Police have been referred to the Immigration Department and those found to be illegal immigrants will be repatriated.
A government spokesman reiterated today (Friday) that there was no question of any amnesty for illegal immigrants.
"Our latest operation should drive home the point that there will be no change to this policy. Anyone foolish enough to believe otherwise is only cheating oneself," he said.
The spokesman stressed that apart from continuous checks throughout the territory, there was no let-up in anti-illegal immigration efforts at the border.
"A high state of vigilance will continue to be maintained by the Police and the security forces both at the land and sea borders," he said.
During the joint operation, which began at 5 am yesterday (Thursday) and ended at 5 am today (Friday), the Police stepped up their identification spot checks in public places and carried out checks at suspicious locations throughout the territory.
As a result, a total of 20,822 persons, 1,852 vehicles and 544 vessels were stopped for identification checks.
During the operation, Immigration investigators visited 22 residential addresses and business establishments and arrested 46 suspected immigration offenders. Twelve local employers were invited to assist investigation.
Among the 46 arrestees, 35 were Two-way Permit holders, three were illegal immigrants, six were foreign domestic helpers, and the remaining two were imported workers from China.
All the Two-way Permit holders, imported workers and foreign domestic workers were arrested at their places of work. They were suspected to have taken up illegal or unapproved employment.