Hong Kong must stay vigilant against illegal work schemes
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The police have
launched an investigation after a driver on a mainland Chinese ride-hailing platform purportedly told a passenger that he did not have a Hong Kong identity card. Immigration officials have also expressed concerns as it is an offence for employers to hire workers without a valid ID card.
The conversation with the Mandarin-speaking driver during the ride was filmed and shared on social media by the passenger, who made the booking via the Amap platform, which is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, the parent company of South China Morning Post. The trip was arranged by a supplier named Universe Call. Amap said it had zero tolerance for illegal behaviour and would continue to urge working partners to strictly abide by laws and regulations.
Investigations later revealed the involvement of
a fraud syndicate which enticed residents to provide their personal information to open accounts on a ride-hailing platform and to arrange for unqualified individuals to illegally provide services to passengers. Last Thursday, a 53-year-old man was arrested by the police for conspiracy to defraud after he had allegedly provided his personal details for such purposes. More suspects have since been arrested in connection with the syndicate, bringing the total number of arrests to eight so far.
This is not the first time that illegal workers have been involved in ride-hailing. Recently, a mainland visitor was jailed for two months for offering ride-hailing services without permits.
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The immigration authorities have mounted regular anti-illegal work operations, including the recent ones that resulted in the arrests of around 195 people in renovation, logistics, catering and cleaning services. While some might think there is no harm in making a bit of quick money, it could put public safety at risk, as in the case of offering driving services. There is also legal liability, with up to three years in jail and a HK$50,000 (US$6,387) fine for illegal workers. Those who employ illegal workers face a fine of HK$500,000 and up to 10 years in jail.
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