PSP ramps up crackdown on illegal work in high-risk sectors

The Public Security Police Force (PSP) has stated that it will continue to conduct regular and random inspections aimed at combating illegal work. The force noted that it will pay particular attention to “high-risk industries.”

In response to an inquiry from the Times, the PSP also admitted that in a recent case that made headlines – when a large number of illegal workers were found at a concert venue – the force acted on a tip-off to inspect the venue.

“This Force has always been highly concerned with the employment rights and interests of local residents, as well as the issue of illegal work. In terms of enforcement, this Force has set up dedicated units to monitor and combat illegal work through ongoing targeted operations,” the PSP said.

“In addition to deploying officers to conduct routine inspections of various economic premises, construction sites, and even residential buildings, this Force actively gathers intelligence from multiple channels for assessment and analysis to plan crackdowns accordingly,” it added.

The PSP noted that its intelligence network includes a wide range of sources, such as hotlines, letters, emails, in-person reports, referrals from other government departments or institutions, and various policing liaison mechanisms.

“All suspected illegal work cases are followed up and handled in accordance with the law. Furthermore, this Force continues to maintain close communication and coordination with the Labour Affairs Bureau and other competent departments to conduct various types of joint crackdowns in a timely manner to curb such illegal and non-compliant activities effectively,” the PSP remarked.

The authorities noted that moving forward, they will continue their crackdown efforts through this “intelligence-driven” system, aiming to execute a “precise crackdown.”

They explained that the system involves analyzing and studying data to increase inspection frequency in high-risk industries and hotspots for illegal work, as well as strengthening collaboration with various enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to adjust crackdown strategies and intensity accordingly.

Although the PSP did not disclose which industries are considered “high-risk,” in the past these have often included construction sites, nightlife establishments (such as bars, discos, and karaoke lounges), restaurants, food and beverage businesses, as well as warehouses and other logistics or storage-related jobs.

The same force also chose not to disclose whether activities such as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), sports and entertainment events, weddings, and film or photo shoots – frequently mentioned by several lawmakers as “black spots” for illegal work – are included in the definition of “high-risk” industries.

Still, as they remarked, it is expected that in cases where there are clear suspicions that an event or activity will employ undocumented temporary workers, the PSP and the Labour Affairs Bureau will perform inspections.

Last Thursday, the topic was once again raised for debate by several lawmakers during a plenary session of the Legislative Assembly.

In separate inquiries, several lawmakers cited the recent case to urge authorities to strictly enforce the law and prevent similar incidents from happening, such as the one that took place during K-pop singer G-Dragon’s recent concert in Macau.

According to the latest update, a total of 68 people are suspected of illegal work, including 60 mainland students currently studying at Macau universities. Police said these students are also classified as witnesses in the ongoing investigation.

Besides criticizing the authorities for failing to prevent the incident, lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho also criticized Galaxy Entertainment Group, the venue’s owner, for not ensuring that the workers were legally hired.

A few days after the crackdown at the G-Dragon concert, a post on a local social media group once again called for “volunteers” to work at the upcoming concert of Hong Kong singer Eason Chan, scheduled for August at the Galaxy Arena. The post was later removed.

The issue of undocumented individuals performing paid activities in Macau has sparked debate on social media, with many people questioning, for instance, the roles undertaken by non-local social influencers or Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).

Many are asking how a student doing part-time work is targeted as illegal, while gaming concessionaires and government entities can freely hire large numbers of KOLs to come to Macau to promote their events and venues.