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14 Mainland Visitors Arrested in Wong Tai Sin Anti-Illegal Worker Operation

HK

14 Mainland Visitors Arrested in Wong Tai Sin Anti-Illegal Worker Operation
HK

HK

14 Mainland Visitors Arrested in Wong Tai Sin Anti-Illegal Worker Operation

2025-03-25 12:47 Last Updated At:14:28

14 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations

The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation at an exhibition in Wong Tai Sin yesterday (March 24). A total of 14 Mainland visitors, who were suspected illegal workers, were arrested.

The ImmD Task Force conducted an operation at a food expo in the district, according to gathered intelligence. During the operation, some target persons were found promoting and selling food and goods. ImmD Task Force officers arrested 14 suspected illegal workers. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised four men and 10 women, aged 31 to 45, all Mainland visitors. The investigation is still ongoing, and more persons involved in the case may be arrested.

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 reiterated 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 reminded 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) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP 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 victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

14 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

14 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

14 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

14 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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Blood Donation Hemoglobin Requirements Adjusted to Enhance Donor Health in Hong Kong

2025-05-21 15:40 Last Updated At:15:48

Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service adjusts haemoglobin requirement for blood donation and launches "Iron Feast 2.0" video series to boost iron levels for donors

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) announced today (May 21) that, starting from May 27 the haemoglobin level requirement of blood donors will be adjusted. For female donors, the range will be adjusted from the current range of 11.5 to 16.5 grams per decilitre(g/dL) to 12.0 to 16.5g/dL, while the male requirement will remain at 13.0 to 18.0g/dL. The above adjustment was endorsed by the Hospital Authority (BTS) Expert Panel on Blood and Products Safety. The BTS has been keeping track of the haemoglobin levels of blood donors, and various public education programmes are in place to promote the importance of iron replenishment in order to safeguard the well-being of blood donors.

Haemoglobin, found in red blood cells, is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the human body. Iron is an essential component for haemoglobin production. After each blood donation, a certain amount of red blood cells are lost, making the replenishment of iron crucial for regular donors.

According to the Thematic Report on Iron Status by the Department of Health in 2024, women have a higher prevalence of iron deficiency than men. The BTS agrees with this finding and is stepping up support on the education of iron replenishment. Recently, the BTS launched the "Iron Feast 2.0" video series, aiming to encourage the public to absorb sufficient iron in their daily diets and to develop balanced and healthy eating habits, thus enhancing their iron levels.

The BTS has been promoting public education on iron replenishment for the past decade. Oral iron supplements are distributed to donors after their blood donation to boost haemoglobin levels. The Chief Executive and Medical Director of the BTS, Dr Lee Cheuk-kwong, said "After years of dedicated efforts in public education, the average haemoglobin level for donors has increased. The number of people deferred from donating blood due to low haemoglobin levels has significantly decreased from nearly 40 000 instances in 2015 to just over 10 000 instances in 2024."

The public can view the "Iron Feast 2.0" video series on the BTS's social media platforms and website (https://www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/iron-feast). The BTS website and the "HK Blood" mobile app also provide relevant information on iron replenishment. The BTS invites members of the public to continue donating blood and become regular blood donors. Donors are advised to make appointments via the "HK Blood" mobile app or by calling the BTS's donor centres. For more details, please visit www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.

Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service adjusts haemoglobin requirement for blood donation and launches "Iron Feast 2.0" video series to boost iron levels for donors  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service adjusts haemoglobin requirement for blood donation and launches "Iron Feast 2.0" video series to boost iron levels for donors Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service adjusts haemoglobin requirement for blood donation and launches "Iron Feast 2.0" video series to boost iron levels for donors  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service adjusts haemoglobin requirement for blood donation and launches "Iron Feast 2.0" video series to boost iron levels for donors Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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