The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed "Fastrack", "Greenlane", "Lightshadow" and "Twilight", for three consecutive days from March 31 to yesterday (April 2). A total of 14 suspected illegal workers and two suspected employers were arrested.
 
     During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 55 target locations, including commercial buildings, massage parlours, residential buildings and restaurants. Fourteen suspected illegal workers and two suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised four men and 10 women, aged 34 to 59. Among them, three women were suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Two men, aged 35 and 67, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested.
     
     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 warned, "As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, 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 is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years. Under the prevailing laws, 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 upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years' imprisonment."
 
     The spokesman reiterated 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 reminded 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) victims. When any TIP 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 elements, such as threats 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 intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 3) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and reminded the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and when travelling to protect their health.

   "Tomorrow (April 4) is the Ching Ming Festival and many grave sweepers will go to cemeteries and columbaria. Please remember to take proper anti-mosquito measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. With possibly more outdoor exposure, grave sweepers should wear light-coloured and long-sleeved tops and trousers, and use DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed parts of the body and clothing. Remove stagnant water in incense burners and used containers, and clear rubbish before leaving to prevent mosquito breeding," the Controller of the CHP of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

     Concerning DF cases, from March 28 to yesterday (April 2), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had travelled to Indonesia during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday, nine imported DF cases were recorded this year. A total of 161 cases of DF were recorded in 2024, including 156 imported and five local cases. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmissions, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, resulted in over 6.5 million cases and more than 7 300 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number of cases.

     Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website.

     Members of the public returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     â€‹
     â€‹DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
     

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Reapply only when needed and follow the instructions.

     * For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

     Police will implement special traffic arrangements in various districts during the Ching Ming Festival period to facilitate grave sweepers, and to ensure smooth vehicular traffic movements and pedestrian safety.

Hong Kong Island
—————-

(1) Chai Wan

A. Road closure

     Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road is designated as a private car and light goods vehicle prohibited zone from 7am to 3pm daily between April 3 and 27, except for vehicles with permit.

Phase I

     The following roads will be closed from 7am to 5pm daily on April 5, 6, 12 and 13:

– Southbound Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, green minibus (GMB) routes 16A, 16M, 16X and 18M, taxis, hearses, funeral vehicles, vehicles with permit, and vehicles heading to Wan Tsui Estate and Lin Tsui Estate;
– Northbound Lin Shing Road, except for GMB route 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road, except for GMB route 18M, taxis, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Cape Collinson Road west of Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, taxis, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– The slip road leading from Cape Collinson Road to the Garden of Remembrance and the crematorium, except for hearses and vehicles carrying passengers to services at the Crematorium; and
– The slip road leading to Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery.

Phase II

     The following roads will be closed from 7am to 5pm on April 4:

– Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles, vehicles with permit, and vehicles heading to Wan Tsui Estate and Lin Tsui Estate;
– Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road, except for hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Cape Collinson Road west of Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– The slip road leading from Cape Collinson Road to the Garden of Remembrance and the crematorium, except for hearses and vehicles carrying passengers to services at the crematorium;
– The slip road leading to Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery; and
– Wan Tsui Lane, except for vehicles heading to Hing Wah Plaza.

B. Traffic diversions

– Traffic along eastbound Wan Tsui Road between Fei Tsui Road and Lin Shing Road cannot turn right to Lin Shing Road during the above road closures; and
– Cape Collinson Road between its slip road to the crematorium and Shek O Road will be re-routed one-way westbound during the above road closures and the operation hours of Citybus route 388.

C. No parking

     During the above road closures, no parking will be permitted along the following roads:

– Wan Tsui Road;
– Lin Shing Road;
– Cape Collinson Road; and
– Shek O Road between Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution and Tai Tam Road.

     With the exception of access to Wan Tsui Estate and Lin Tsui Estate, all red minibuses, private cars, goods vehicles, motorcycles, motor tricycles and pedal cycles cannot enter Lin Shing Road during the above road closures, while taxis cannot enter Lin Shing Road during Phase II.

(2) Pok Fu Lam

     Depending on traffic conditions, Consort Rise between Victoria Road and Bisney Road will be re-routed one-way southbound from 7am to 5.30pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12, 13 and 18 to 21.

     Four metered parking spaces (metered parking spaces No. 3941A, 3941B, 3942A and 3942B) and three motorcycle parking spaces at Victoria Road near Consort Rise will be suspended from 7am to 5.30pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12 and 13.

(3) Aberdeen

     Depending on traffic conditions, Peel Rise in the vicinity of the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery and the slip road from Shek Pai Wan Road leading to the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery will be closed during the following time periods:

– From 7.30am to 5.30pm daily on April 5, 6, 12, 13 and 18 to 21; and
– From 7.30am to 6.30pm on April 4.

Kowloon
——-

(1) Tseung Kwan O

     The access road at Ko Chiu Road leading to Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery will be closed from 5.30am to 6pm daily on April 5, 12, 13, 18 to 21, 26 and 27, and May 1, except for special route No. 14S of Kowloon Motor Bus, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit.

     The above road will be closed from 5.30am to 8pm daily on April 4 and 6.

     Grave sweepers can access the cemetery on foot via the BMCPC Footpath opposite MTR Tiu Keng Leng Station or the access road on Ko Chiu Road. Individuals requiring wheelchair access should enter the cemetery via the Ko Chiu Road entrance.

(2) Sai Kung

     Mang Kung Wo Road will be closed from 8am to 5pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12 and 13, except for vehicles with permit.

(3) Diamond Hill

     The following special arrangements will be implemented from 7am to 6pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12 and 13:

A. Road closure

– The access road leading to the Diamond Hill Crematorium; the access road between the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour and the CLP Power substation; and the access road adjacent to the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour leading to Sze Chen Hall, except for hearses and funeral vehicles.

– Yuk Hok Lane and Yuk Wah Street east of Tsz Wan Shan Road, except for private cars and taxis.

B. Traffic diversions

– Vehicles must follow southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill for entering or leaving Fung Shing Street or Fu Shan Estate car park;
– Vehicles must follow northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill for entering or leaving Grand View Garden car park;
– Vehicles from eastbound Po Kong Village Road can turn to westbound Yuk Wah Street via the easternmost traffic lane of Tsz Wan Shan (South) Bus Terminus;
– Traffic along westbound Fung Shing Street cannot turn right to northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill;
– Traffic along northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill cannot turn right to eastbound Fung Shing Street;
– Vehicles from Grand View Garden car park cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to Grand View Garden car park;
– Vehicles from Fu Shan Estate car park cannot turn right to northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill;
– Traffic along northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill cannot turn right to Fu Shan Estate car park;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to Po Kong Village Road School Village car park;
– Vehicles from Po Kong Village Road School Village car park cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to the unnamed road opposite to Po Leung Lane;
– Traffic along the unnamed road opposite to Po Leung Lane cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill; and
– Traffic along Yuk Wah Crescent cannot turn right to eastbound Yuk Wah Street.

C. Suspension of parking spaces

     Metered parking spaces on the unnamed road between the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour and the CLP Power substation, and motorcycle parking spaces at Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane will be suspended.

D. Passenger pick-up and drop-off points

     The temporary pick-up and drop-off point for private cars will be located at westbound Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane.

     Po Kong Village Road School Village car park will be closed and designated as taxi and private car drop-off point from 7am to 6pm daily on April 4 and 6.

(4) Cheung Sha Wan

     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented on April 4 to 6, 12 and 13:

A. Road closure (daily from 7am to 7pm)

     Wing Ming Street and the unnamed road between Wing Ming Street and Saint Raphael’s Catholic Cemetery will be closed, except for hearses, funeral vehicles, vehicles of the cemetery staff and those with permits.

B. No stopping or parking

– Parking will be prohibited on Yu Chau West Street between Castle Peak Road and King Lam Street daily from 7am to 7pm;
– Vehicles are prohibited to pick up or drop off passengers along Yu Chau West Street near Wing Ming Street (outside “83 Wing Hong Street”); and
– Stopping or parking will be prohibited on Ching Cheung Road daily from 7am to 7pm.

C. Suspension of parking spaces (daily from 7am to 7pm)

     All on-street parking spaces on Yu Chau West Street, Tai Nan West Street, King Lam Street between Yu Chau West Street and Tai Nan West Street, and Wing Hong Street between Yu Chau West Street and Tai Nan West Street will be suspended.
 
     Members of the public should access Saint Raphael’s Catholic Cemetery via the subway across Ching Cheung Road from the end of the unnamed road between Wing Ming Street and the cemetery. No parking facilities in the cemetery will be open for public use.

New Territories
—————

(1) Wo Hop Shek

     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented daily on April 4 to 6, 12, 13, and 18 to 21:

A. Road closure (daily from 6am to 5pm)

– Kiu Tau Road, except for hearses, coaches conveying people attending services at the crematorium, vehicles of the undertakers and franchised buses;
– Ming Yin Road, except for franchised buses;
– Wo Ka Lau Road; and
– All access roads within Wo Hop Shek Cemetery.

B. Traffic diversions

– Traffic along northbound Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon cannot turn right to southbound Pak Wo Road; and
– Traffic along southbound Pak Wo Road near MTR Fanling Station cannot turn right to the car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon.

C. Suspension of parking spaces (daily from 7am to 5pm)

– The car park on Wo Hing Road near Wah Ming Road roundabout, except for taxis;
– The car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon, except for the disabled parking spaces and public buses of the residents’ service route No. NR112. Depending on the prevailing situation, vehicles with elderly and disabled passengers may be allowed to use the car park for boarding shuttle buses that are heading for Wo Hop Shek Cemetery;
– Parking spaces on Wah Ming Lane; and
– Parking spaces at Ming Yin Road between Wo Hop Shek Cemetery Office and Kiu Tau Road.

(2) Sandy Ridge

     The Frontier Closed Area from MTR Lo Wu Station to Lo Wu Station Road is open to grave sweepers from 6am to 6pm daily between April 3 and 20.

     The following roads will be closed from 6am to 6pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12, 13 and 18 to 20:

– Lo Wu Station Road, from its junction with Man Kam To Road to a point approximately 280 metres west, near the cemetery management office, except for vehicles of Lo Wu Village residents and those permitted to use the MTR Lo Wu Station car park; and
– Sha Ling Road, except for vehicles of Sha Ling residents.

(3) Lau Fau Shan

     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented from 9am to 4pm on April 4:

– Deep Bay Road between Mong Tseng San Road and the unnamed road to Wan Fau Sin Koon will be re-routed one-way eastbound;
– Mong Tseng San Road will be re-routed one-way southbound;
– Traffic along eastbound Tin Ying Road cannot turn left to the slip road leading to Tin Yuet Road; and
– Upon reaching the junction with Mong Tseng San Road, traffic along westbound Deep Bay Road from Sha Kiu Tsuen and Mong Tseng Tsuen heading to Lau Fau Shan must turn left to Mong Tseng San Road towards Tin Ying Road, except for GMB route 35.

(4) Castle Peak

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 7am to 7pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12 and 13:

A. Road closure

– Tsing San Path; and
– The access roads leading to Ching Chung Koon and Ching Chung Sin Yuen.

B. Traffic diversions

– Tsing Chung Koon Road between Tsing Lun Road and San Fuk Road will be re-routed one-way northbound; and
– San Fuk Road between Leung Shun Street and Tsing Chung Koon Road will be re-routed one-way westbound.

C. No parking

     No parking will be permitted along the following roads:

– San Fuk Road;
– Tsing Chung Koon Road between Tsing Chung Path and San Fuk Road;
– Tsing Lun Road between Tsun Wen Road and the northern vehicle entrance of Tuen Mun Hospital; and
– Southbound Tsun Wen Road between Tsing Lun Road and San Fuk Road.

D. Passenger pick-up and drop-off points

     Three temporary pick-up and drop-off points will be set up at northbound Tsing Chung Koon Road opposite to Castle Peak Hospital, northbound Tsing Chung Koon Road opposite to Tuen Mun Hospital, and westbound Tsing Lun Road outside Tuen Mun Hospital.

(5) Tsang Tsui

     Nim Wan Road between Yung Long Road and the access road to Tsang Tsui Columbarium will be closed from 7am to 7pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12 and 13, except for franchised buses, MTR buses, taxis, vehicles heading for West New Territories Landfill and T·PARK, and vehicles with permit.

(6) Kwai Tsing

     Wing Yin Street and Wing Hau Street will be closed from 7am to 5pm daily on April 5, 12 and 13, except for hearses and franchised buses.　

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 7am to 5pm daily on April 4 and 6, and when necessary:

– Southbound Wing Tak Street between the entrance of City Point and Wing Shun Street, Wing Yin Street, and Wing Shun Street between Wing Tak Street and Kwai Hei Street will be closed, except for hearses, franchised buses, taxis and GMBs;
– Wing Kei Road between Kwai Hei Street and Wing Kin Road will be re-routed one-way southbound. Vehicles cannot travel via Kwai Hei Street for Wing Kei Road; and
– Wing Hau Street will be closed.

(7) Tsuen Wan

A. Road closure

     Lo Wai Road between Lo Wai Pai Lau and Yuen Yuen Institute will be closed from 8am to 6pm daily on April 4 to 6 and 13, except for franchised buses, taxis, GMB route 81 and vehicles with permit.

B. Suspension of parking spaces

     During the above road closure, all metered parking spaces on Lo Wai Road near Yi Pei Chun Road and former Lo Wai Bus Terminus will be suspended from 8am to 6pm daily on April 4 to 6 and 13. Also, all metered parking spaces on Lo Wai Road outside Yuen Yuen Institute will be suspended from 8am to 6pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12 and 13.

(8) Sha Tin

A. Road closure and traffic diversions

     The following roads will be closed between 7am and 6pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12 and 13:

– Lower Shing Mun Road between Yau On Street and Fu Shan Crematorium, Yau On Street and Yau Ting Street, except for hearses, funeral vehicles, GMB route 64K, and vehicles of residents of Pak Tin Areas 2 to 5 and Lakeview Garden; and
– Pai Tau Street west of its junction with Sheung Wo Che Road.

     To Fung Shan Road north of its junction with Pak Lok Path will be closed between 9am and 5pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12 and 13, except for vehicles serving residents and people working in To Fung Shan. To Fung Shan Road between Chung Ling Road and Pak Lok Path will be converted into one-lane two-way traffic between 9am and 5pm daily on April 4 to 6.

B. Suspension of parking spaces

     All metered parking spaces on Yau On Street and Lower Shing Mun Road will be suspended from 7am to 6pm daily on April 4 to 6, 12 and 13.

(9) Lantau Island

     The following special arrangements will be implemented from 6am to 6pm daily on April 4 to 6:

– The closed Tung Chung Road between Shek Mun Kap Road and South Lantau Road will be temporarily opened to traffic; and
– Others roads on south Lantau will remain closed, except for vehicles with permit.

     During the implementation of the special traffic arrangements, any vehicles found illegally parked within the precincts mentioned above will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.

     Police will implement the above arrangements subject to traffic and crowd conditions in the area. Members of the public are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Chong Hing Bank Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
      
     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by The Bank of East Asia, Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
      
     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.