The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations, including an operation codenamed "Twilight", and joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Labour Department codenamed "Champion" from November 26 to 29. A total of 10 illegal workers, six suspected employers and one overstayer were arrested.
      
     During operation "Twilight", ImmD Task Force officers raided 80 target locations including commercial buildings, a factory, a garage, industrial buildings, residential buildings, restaurants, shops and a farm. Seven illegal workers and three employers were arrested. The illegal workers comprised three men and four women, aged 23 to 51. Among them, one man and three women were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment. In addition, one man was suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Meanwhile, one man and two women, aged 31 to 52, were suspected of employing the illegal workers. Furthermore, one female overstayer, aged 49, was arrested.
      
     In addition, during operation "Champion", enforcement officers raided 20 target locations in Tsing Yi, Kwai Chung, Chai Wan and North Point including car parks, a factory, restaurants and massage parlours. Three male illegal workers, aged 32 to 49, were arrested. Among them, two men were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment. Meanwhile, two men and one woman, aged 38 to 53, suspected of employing the illegal workers were also arrested.
      
     "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him 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," an ImmD spokesman said.
 
     The spokesman warned that it is an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card or a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and up to 10 years' imprisonment.
      
     The spokesman warned that, as stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order are prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment. The Court of Appeal has issued a guideline ruling that a sentence of 15 months' imprisonment should be applied in such cases. 
      
     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for three years and a fine of $350,000. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence. According to 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. The maximum penalty for failing to inspect such a document is imprisonment for one year and a fine of $150,000.
      
     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct 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, the officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threat 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 interference, medical services, counselling, shelter, temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments.

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic Complex | The University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong today (November 30):

Professor Zimmer (President of the University of Chicago, Professor Robert Zimmer), Anthony (Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Anthony Chow), Francis, Rose (University Trustee of the University of Chicago and donor, Mr Francis Yuen, and his wife, Mrs Rose Yuen), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon. It's a great pleasure to join you today for the grand opening ceremony of the University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus. I have been looking forward to this day since I officiated with Professor Zimmer at the naming ceremony of this centre in 2016 as the Chief Secretary for Administration. I am glad that, after two years, this magnificent new university centre, a US$75 million restoration and construction development, is now officially open.

     Higher education institutions are essential to creating the talent we need to succeed in the global economy. They are also essential in connecting people, institutions, business and governments. That is indeed the case today, as we formally welcome one of the world's most prestigious universities, the University of Chicago, and the second-oldest business school in the United States, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, to Hong Kong. The University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus will serve as the Asian base for Chicago Booth's flagship Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Programme. It will, as well, be home to the University's student abroad programme.

     I am pleased to note that the complex also features the Hong Kong Jockey Club Programme on Social Innovation. A partnership between the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the University of Chicago, this Programme offers a range of opportunities, including scholarships, social entrepreneurship workshops, and training for NGO professionals. Next week, I understand it will host the Global Launchpad, a four-month training programme designed to provide social entrepreneurs with the tools, coaching, and hands-on learning needed to effectively grow their early-stage ventures.

     Today's opening underlines my Government's commitment to strengthening Hong Kong's status as a regional education hub, and to the internationalisation and diversification of our higher education sector. Our internationalisation measures include expanding quotas for non-local student admission, setting up a Government Scholarship Fund for outstanding local and international students, and allowing students from outside Hong Kong to stay here without limitation for up to 12 months after graduation. As for diversification, we encourage international institutions to set up in Hong Kong through such measures as our Land Grant Scheme, the Quality Enhancement Support Scheme and the Research Endowment Fund.

     We are glad to see that our efforts have started to bear fruit. This stunning new campus was made possible through our Land Grant Scheme, and will surely be a win-win for both Chicago Booth and for Hong Kong. For Chicago Booth, Hong Kong is an ideal choice for recruitment of quality students in the region given its excellent connectivity, diversity and vibrancy in the city. For Hong Kong, we are pleased to have another world-renowned EMBA programme provider in our city which would help establish Hong Kong as a quality education platform for both local and non-local students.

     Indeed, 130 EMBA students have enrolled in the two-year programme. They come largely from Hong Kong, but also from all over Asia as well, including India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the Mainland. Mainland students are taking part, I should add, through a pilot scheme introduced with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Central People's Government. In place since the 2017/18 academic year, it offers Mainland students placement in full-time locally accredited, non-local programmes here.

     The opening of this new campus also marks the successful completion of a heritage conservation and revitalisation project. The campus, which rises from two heritage buildings, is situated on a historically important site. From the late 1930s, it was part of the British Army's Jubilee Battery, used in the defence of Hong Kong during the Second World War. Later, it became home to the Victoria Road Detention Centre, known as the "White House". In 2010, during my term as Hong Kong's Antiquities Authority in my then official capacity as the Secretary for Development, the compound was accorded Grade 3 historic building status by the Antiquities Advisory Board. And now, we have here a unique landmark reflecting Hong Kong's architectural traditions and heritage.

     I understand the public is welcome to enjoy its beauty, and the history that surrounds it, through the Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Heritage Courtyard and Interpretation Centre. I learnt that guided tours and exhibitions will begin next week. The scenic trail running through and around the site, with its spectacular sea views, will also be open to the public.

     I would like to take this opportunity to join Professor Zimmer in paying tribute to the late Bing Thom, the lead architect of this project. Bing was also the designer of the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District, which will be formally opened early next year. We are indebted to him for his work which has greatly enriched Hong Kong's architectural scene.

     Finally, my thanks to the University of Chicago and Chicago Booth, to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, to Francis and Rose Yuen, and to many others who are involved in this wonderful project. Thank you for making this historic site come to a brilliant life. I wish the Centre all the best in its many endeavours.

     Thank you very much.

    

The following is issued on behalf of the Community Care Fund Secretariat:
 
     The Community Care Fund (CCF) announced today (November 30) the extension of the Special Care Subsidy for the Severely Disabled Programme to provide persons with severe disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria with a subsidy for a maximum of 24 months. The programme is administered by the Social Welfare Department (SWD).
      
     The programme was rolled out in September 2011, and was extended in November 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively. It aims at providing a special care subsidy for severely disabled persons who are living in the community and not receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance. Beneficiaries under this extended programme should meet the following criteria:
 

• Aged below 60 and receiving Higher Disability Allowance (HDA) under the Social Security Allowance Scheme as at July 31, 2018; and
• Living in the community and having a monthly household income not exceeding 150 per cent of the relevant Median Monthly Domestic Household Income (MMDHI).

     The rate of subsidy an eligible person is entitled to for the whole period will be calculated based on his or her average monthly household income for the three months immediately preceding the submission of application. There are three levels of subsidy, i.e. those with household income at or less than 100 per cent of the MMDHI to receive a full grant of the subsidy ($2,000 per month); those with household income from more than 100 per cent to 125 per cent of the MMDHI to receive three-quarters of the subsidy ($1,500 per month); and those with household income from more than 125 per cent to 150 per cent of the MMDHI to receive a half grant of the subsidy ($1,000 per month).
      
     Starting from today, the SWD will issue letters to relevant HDA recipients to set out details of arrangements of the programme and invite applications from those who may fulfil the eligibility criteria. Applicants are required to submit the completed application forms together with all necessary documents by post or by hand to the CCF Team of the SWD on or before February 28, 2019. Notification of application results will be issued to the applicants and the subsidy is expected to be disbursed to eligible persons starting from the end of February 2019. Existing beneficiaries under the programme are not required to submit new applications, and the SWD will separately inform them of the necessary arrangements in writing.
      
     Details of the programme can be found on the CCF website (www.communitycarefund.hk) or SWD website (www.swd.gov.hk). For enquiries, members of the public may call the CCF Team of SWD on 3422 3090 during office hours.
 

     Police will implement special traffic arrangements this Sunday (December 2) to facilitate three public order events to be held on Hong Kong Island.

(I)

     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented from 1am to 12.45pm:

Road Closure
————

1. The fast lane of Man Po Street near Yiu Sing Street;
2. The slow lane of southbound Man Yiu Street near its junctions with Yiu Sing Street;
3. The slow lane of southbound Man Yiu Street near its junctions with Lung Wo Road;
4. Yiu Sing Street;
5. Lung Wo Road, except the slow lane of westbound Lung Wo Road between Tim Wa Avenue and Edinburgh Place;
6. The general pick-up/drop-off and loading/unloading area on Lung Wo Road north of Star Ferry Multi-Storey Car Park;
7. Road A2;
8. Eastbound Road P2 between Road D11 and Expo Drive;
9. Northbound Road D11; and
10. Legislative Council Road, except for vehicles heading to Legislative Council Complex.

Traffic Diversions
——————

1. Traffic along southbound Man Yiu Street or eastbound Man Cheung Street cannot enter eastbound Lung Wo Road; and traffic along southbound Man Yiu Street or eastbound Man Po Street cannot enter eastbound Yiu Sing Street. Affected vehicles will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, northbound Tim Mei Avenue and eastbound Lung Wui Road; and
2. Traffic along northbound Edinburgh Place east of Hong Kong City Hall, northbound Legislative Council Road or westbound Road P2 cannot enter westbound Lung Wo Road; and traffic along eastbound Lung Wui Road or westbound Fenwick Pier Street cannot enter northbound Road D11. Affected vehicles will be diverted via eastbound Connaught Road Central or southbound Fenwick Pier Street, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road, northbound Fenwick Street, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Fenwick Pier Street flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Man Yiu Street.

Suspension of parking spaces
—————————-

     All motorcycle parking spaces at the general pick-up/drop-off and loading/unloading area on Lung Wo Road north of Star Ferry Multi-Storey Car Park will be suspended.

(II)

     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented from about 2am to 10am:

Road Closure
————

     The following roads will be closed, except for vehicles with closed road permits:

1. Eastbound Harbour Road between Fleming Road and Tonnochy Road;
2. The fast lane of northbound Tin Lok Lane;
3. Westbound Convention Avenue between Fleming Road and Tonnochy Road;
4. Westbound Hung Hing Road between Marsh Road and Tonnochy Road;
5. Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Harbour Road;
6. Southbound Tonnochy Road between Harbour Road and Gloucester Road;
7. The fast lane of Tonnochy Road flyover between Harbour Road and Gloucester Road;
8. Marsh Road flyover between Wan Ying Street and Lockhart Road;
9. Northbound Marsh Road between Wan Ying Street and Gloucester Road;
10. The slow lane and middle lane of northbound Marsh Road between Hung Hing Road and Wan Ying Street;
11. Southbound Gloucester Road between Great George Street and Causeway Road;
12. Northbound Gloucester Road between the U-turn slip road beneath the Tai Hang Road flyover and Sugar Street;
13. Eastbound Lockhart Road between Marsh Road and Percival Street;
14. Southbound Canal Road East between Lockhart Road and Jaffe Road;
15. Northbound Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road;
16. The fast lane of northbound Morrison Hill Road between Wan Chai Road and Hennessy Road;
17. Southbound Percival Street between Lockhart Road and Hennessy Road;
18. Eastbound Hennessy Road between Percival Street and Yee Wo Street;
19. Eastbound Yee Wo Street between Hennessy Road and Sugar Street;
20. Sugar Street; and
21. Northbound Gloucester Road between Great George Street and Sugar Street.

Traffic Diversions
——————

1. Traffic along southbound Fleming Road cannot turn left to eastbound Harbour Road;
2. Traffic along eastbound Harbour Road must turn left to  northbound Fleming Road;
3. Traffic leaving from car parks along eastbound Harbour Road must turn right to westbound Harbour Road;
4. Traffic along northbound Harbour Drive must turn left to westbound Harbour Road;
5. Traffic along Tonnochy Road flyover must turn left to westbound Harbour Road, turn left to southbound Fleming Road, make a U-turn to northbound Fleming Road, and then turn right to eastbound Convention Avenue;
6. Traffic along northbound Marsh Road must turn right to eastbound Hung Hing Road and Hung Hing Road flyover;
7. Traffic along northbound Marsh Road will be diverted via Gloucester Road service road or turn to southbound Marsh Road for access to Jaffe Road;
8. Traffic along Great George Street heading for southbound Gloucester Road will be diverted via southbound Tai Hang Road flyover;
9. Traffic along southbound Percival Street will be diverted via eastbound Lockhart Road;
10. Double-decked buses or vehicles taller than 4 meters on westbound Gloucester Road cannot turn left to southbound Percival Street;
11. Traffic along southbound Marsh Road will be diverted via eastbound Jaffe Road;
12. Traffic along Canal Road East will be diverted via eastbound Jaffe Road;
13. Traffic along eastbound Lockhart Road will be diverted via northbound Marsh Road;
14. Traffic along eastbound Hennessy Road cannot turn left to Marsh Road;
15. Traffic along Tin Lok Lane cannot go straight to northbound Marsh Road, and must either turn left or right to Hennessy Road; and
16. Traffic along eastbound Hennessy Road heading for Causeway Road will be diverted via southbound Percival Street, Leighton Road, Pennington Street and eastbound Yee Wo Street.

Suspension of parking spaces
—————————-

     The parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 12.01am to 10am:

1. The on-street parking spaces on eastbound Lockhart Road between Marsh Road and Percival Street;
2. The motorcycle parking spaces on Marsh Road between Lockhart Road and Hennessy Road; and
3. The disabled parking spaces on northbound Gloucester Road near Sugar Street.

(III)
     
     The following roads will be intermittently closed from 11am until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal:

1. Eastbound Sai Ning Street;
2. Eastbound Victoria Road;
3. Northbound Cadogan Street;
4. Eastbound New Praya, Kennedy Town;
5. Eastbound Shing Sai Road;
6. Eastbound Connaught Road West;
7. Southbound Ka On Street;
8. Eastbound Des Voeux Road West;
9. Northbound Chung King Road;
10. Eastbound Chung Kong Road;
11. Eastbound Rumsey Street;
12. Eastbound Man Kwong Street;
13. Southbound Legislative Council Road;
14. Tim Mei Avenue;
15. Eastbound Lung Wui Road;
16. Northbound Road D11;
17. Eastbound Road P2;
18. Eastbound Convention Avenue;
19. Eastbound Hung Hing Road;
20. Southbound Wan Shing Street;
21. Eastbound Victoria Park Road;
22. Eastbound Gordon Road;
23. Eastbound Electric Road;
24. Eastbound Java Road;
25. Northbound Hoi Yu Street;
26. Southbound Hoi Chak Street;
27. Westbound Finnie Street;
28. Eastbound Kornhill Road;
29. Eastbound Shau Kei Wan Road;
30. Northbound Tai Hong Street; and
31. Lei King Road outside Quarry Bay Park.

     Vehicles may not be permitted to access or leave the car parks along the routes during the road closure period.

     All vehicles parked illegally will be towed away without prior notice.

     Actual implementation of the traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

     The Transport Department (TD) is very concerned about the fatal traffic accident involving a coach on Cheung Tsing Highway in Tsing Yi this morning (November 30).

     The TD has contacted the operator concerned to better understand the situation this morning. Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Transport has contacted the Public Omnibus Operators Association to express her concern, and a meeting between the TD and the Association will be arranged later to study and review the issue of operational safety of non-franchised buses.

     Regarding the cause of the accident, investigation by the Police is under way. According to the TD's records, the coach involved was equipped with seats with high seat back and seatbelts. The latest vehicle examination was conducted in February this year and the coach passed the safety tests.