Ombudsman probes mechanism of regulating illegal bicycle parking caused by bicycle rental shops
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (August 12) announced the launch of a full investigation to examine the mechanism of regulating illegal bicycle parking caused by bicycle rental shops.
The Office of The Ombudsman recently received a public complaint against the Home Affairs Department (HAD), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the Lands Department (LandsD) and the Transport Department (TD). The complainant alleged that some bicycle rental shops in the New Territories persistently place a large number of bicycles along pedestrian walkways outside the shops, obstructing, even endangering, pedestrians. The complainant has notified the HAD, requesting that the department take follow-up actions with other relevant departments. However, the problem has remained unresolved.
Mr Chan said, "In addressing the problem of illegal bicycle parking, the relevant enforcement departments are taking appropriate enforcement and clearance actions in accordance with the law, depending on the location of the bicycles. When necessary, interdepartmental joint operations are being carried out. The departments involved generally include the relevant District Offices under the HAD, the FEHD, the LandsD and the TD, etc. However, the problem persists and has even worsened. There is public demand for bicycle rental services in various districts. It is, therefore, worth exploring how bicycle rental services can be provided to enable cyclists without inconveniencing pedestrians and causing accidents. In this light, I have decided to launch a full investigation to examine the mechanism adopted by the Government to regulate illegal bicycle parking caused by bicycle rental shops in various districts and identify areas for improvement. Recommendations will be made accordingly."
The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by September 12, 2025:
Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: cid-bicycleparking@ombudsman.hk
Ombudsman probes mechanism of regulating illegal bicycle parking caused by bicycle rental shops Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Ombudsman probes mechanism of regulating illegal bicycle parking caused by bicycle rental shops 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
