AFCD optimises quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs imported from Mainland
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (September 30) the optimisation of quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs imported from the Mainland. Animal health certificates issued by official veterinarians of Mainland Customs of all regions are now accepted.
The Mainland has been included in Group IIIA since June 3 this year, with official veterinarians of Shenzhen Customs issuing animal health certificates in the first phase. In light of the smooth implementation of the new quarantine arrangements for importing cats and dogs, and to further facilitate their movement from the Mainland to Hong Kong, the AFCD now accepts relevant animal health certificates issued by official veterinarians of Mainland Customs of all regions. Cats and dogs imported from the Mainland can enter Hong Kong via Hong Kong International Airport (as manifested cargo) as well as by land at designated control points.
The quarantine period for cats and dogs imported from the Mainland can be reduced to 30 days upon arrival in Hong Kong as long as they meet the Group IIIA requirements. Relevant quarantine requirements include having the animal implanted with a conforming microchip, holding a valid vaccination certificate for rabies and designated infectious diseases, obtaining satisfactory results from rabies antibody titer testing conducted at a laboratory recognised by the AFCD on a blood sample taken not less than 90 days and not more than one year before departure, and possessing an animal health certificate issued by Mainland official veterinarians.
Details of the quarantine arrangements and the application procedures for importing cats and dogs from the Mainland, including the method of reserving quarantine facilities, are available on the AFCD website. Detailed requirements for issuing health certificates by the Mainland can be obtained from the Mainland authorities.
The AFCD will continue to closely monitor the latest information on animal diseases announced by the World Organisation for Animal Health, and optimise the quarantine requirements for imported cats and dogs in a timely manner based on operational experience, risk assessment and other factors.
Source: AI-found images
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
