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Public Order

Detection of Forged Travel Documents

The department takes strict measures to guard against the use of forged travel documents and carries out special operations against forgery syndicates. In 2018, it discovered 449 forged travel documents. The department maintains close contact and exchanges information on such documents with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates.

Interception of Targeted or Wanted Persons

In 2018, officers intercepted at immigration control points 328,224 targeted or wanted persons in connection with offences or court orders ranging from failure to settle outstanding fines to

serious crime.

Combating Unlawful Employment

The department's Anti-Illegal Workers Combat Squad combats illegal employment, conducting undercover patrols at illegal worker black spots. In 2018, 16,108 raids were conducted and 6,290 illegal workers were arrested, the vast majority being visitors who had breached their conditions of stay.

Illegal workers are fined and/or jailed before being sent back to their places of origin. Their employers are also liable to be prosecuted.

Deportation and Removal

The department processes deportation and removal orders. During the year, 630 people convicted of offences punishable with imprisonment of not less than two years were recommended for deportation and 501 were deported, meaning they are prohibited from returning. Another 1,245 were removed from Hong Kong, comprising 574 illegal immigrants, 631 people who had breached their conditions of stay and 40 people who were refused entry.

Investigation and Prosecution

The department lays charges concerning immigration offences, including remaining illegally in Hong Kong, breaching conditions of stay, making false statements or representations, and using or possessing forged travel documents. Illegal immigrants or persons subject to removal or deportation orders are prohibited under section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance from taking employment, whether paid or unpaid.

Independent Commission Against Corruption

Hong Kong prides itself as a city with a clean civil service, a level playing field for doing business and a society highly intolerant of corruption. The latest international studies including the Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index and the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report have recognised the city as one of the world's least corrupt places.

Established in 1974, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) safeguards Hong Kong's deep-rooted culture of probity through a holistic strategy of enforcement, prevention and education. Its independence is enshrined in the Basic Law, and its operation is sustained by

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