FS attends China Development Forum
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continues his visit in Beijing today (March 23).
In the morning, Mr Chan attended the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum. In the afternoon, he delivered a keynote speech at the afternoon session on the Symposium on Igniting GrowthMomentum through Reform". In the speech, he pointed out three major trends that are profoundly impacting the global political landscape and economic development. They include: (1) the rise of protectionism and unilateralism is bringing uncertainty and instability to the global economy, while the trend of regionalisation is reshaping international economic and trade relations and the global trading system; (2) the emergence of economies in the Global South is becoming a new engine and driving force for economic growth; and (3) technological innovation, particularly the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), is triggering changes in production models, business models and consumption patterns.
Mr Chan emphasised that in the face of a complex and changing global situation, the country remains steadfast in embracing true multilateralism, and works with countries to promote inclusive economic globalisation. The country has also stressed the need to expand high-level opening-up and advance institutional innovation, deepen reforms in the technology sector, and nurture new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions.
Mr Chan also mentioned that Hong Kong, under the "one country, two systems" arrangement, has unique advantages and can play a special role in deepening international exchanges and co-operation, contributing to the country's high-level opening-up and quality development while creating greater business opportunities for global economies and enterprises. First, Hong Kong will leverage its advantage of connecting with both the Mainland and the world. It will strengthen ties with traditional markets in Europe and the Americas, while exploring new markets, and developing high-value multinational supply chain management and trade financing services to support Mainland enterprises in going global. Second, Hong Kong is actively supporting the financing needs of enterprises and projects in areas such as tech development and climate change through financial empowerment. It will continue to enhance the breadth, depth and efficiency of its financial markets to promote mutual benefit between finance and the real economy. Third, Hong Kong will drive technological innovation with a particular focus on AI. Leveraging its strengths in innovation and technology, international capital, data and talent, along with the innovative capabilities, depth of industriesand wide scope of application scenarios of sister cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is committed to becoming a hub for international exchange and co-operation in the AI industry. At the same time, it aims to support the growth of technological innovation and future industries by building an ecosystem of "patient capital".
Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (March 24).
FS attends China Development Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Contribute" today (January 15).During the operation, ImmD Task Force officers raided premises under renovation in a newly built public housing estate in Sheung Shui district.A total of six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. Thearrested suspected illegal workers comprise six men, aged 22 to 41. Furthermore, one man, aged 45, suspected of employing the illegal workers, was also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
Apart from mounting the enforcement operation, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute "Don't Employ Illegal Workers" leaflets and convey the message in the estate.
An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take 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 spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
