Hong Kong’s Immigration Department arrested 10 suspected illegal workers during a series of territory-wide enforcement operations conducted from December 24,

2025, to January 1.

The raids, carried out jointly with the police and other government departments, targeted locations including renovation sites, exhibition venues and retail shops. Those arrested—six men and four women aged between 23 and 64—are suspected of working illegally. Investigations into the employers are ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Immigration officials reiterated that visitors are prohibited from taking up employment in Hong Kong without approval. Offenders face up to HK$50,000 in fines and two years’ imprisonment, while employers risk penalties of up to HK$500,000 and 10 years in jail. Authorities stressed that strict checks on employees’ legal status are mandatory and enforcement action will continue. Photo by Ceeseven, Wikimedia commons.