HONG KONG – Crackdown on illegal employment intensifies.

April 25, 2025


By: Paul Buckley, Editor, Newland Chase

On April 17, 2025, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) announced the arrest of 10 individuals during targeted operations against illegal employment. The arrests included eight suspected illegal workers and two overstayers.

This operation is part of a broader trend in 2025, where ImmD has intensified its efforts to combat illegal employment across various sectors. Notable operations include:

  • April 15, 2025: 43 individuals arrested, comprising 35 suspected illegal workers and eight suspected employers.
  • April 3, 2025: 16 individuals arrested, including 14 suspected illegal workers and two suspected employers.
  • March 28, 2025: 14 individuals arrested, encompassing seven suspected illegal workers, four suspected employers, and three overstayers.
  • March 14, 2025: Nine individuals arrested, with eight suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer.

This series of territory-wide operations has targeted a range of industries, indicating a comprehensive approach to enforcement.

Implications for employers.

The heightened enforcement activity underscores the importance for employers to:

  • Verify employment eligibility: Ensure all employees possess valid work authorization and adhere strictly to the conditions of their visas.
  • Maintain accurate records: Keep detailed and up-to-date records of employees’ immigration statuses and work permits.
  • Conduct regular compliance audits: Periodically review internal processes to identify and rectify potential compliance issues.
  • Educate HR and management: Provide training to relevant staff on immigration laws and the importance of compliance to prevent inadvertent violations.

How Newland Chase can assist.

Newland Chase offers comprehensive services to help employers navigate the complexities of immigration compliance, including:

  • Work authorization assessments: Evaluating the eligibility of current and prospective employees. 
  • Policy development: Assisting in the creation of internal policies that align with immigration laws. 
  • Training programs: Providing education for HR teams and management on compliance best practices. 
  • Audit support: Conducting thorough reviews of existing practices to ensure adherence to legal requirements. 

Please reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.