In a startling revelation, recent investigations led by Legislative Councillor Kwok Wai Keung have brought to light an alarming trend in Hong Kong where suspected bogus refugees are allegedly using government-issued food cards not only for sustenance but also as a means of identity fraud. This disturbing practice is being exploited to register for food delivery services, deceiving both employers and the public.

At least 15 individuals were recently discovered residing in a local residential complex while posing as legitimate workers. Councillor Kwok has pointed fingers at the insufficient guidelines in the property management sector, which unintentionally enable the employment of illegal workers. He has urged food delivery platforms to implement stricter due diligence checks and recommended that property management companies ban the use of food cards as identification.

Since 2004, the Social Welfare Department has been providing humanitarian assistance to those facing deportation, distributing a monthly food allowance of HK$1,200 via electronic cash cards, commonly referred to as "food cards." Community organizations claim these cards are only to be issued after verifying refugee status with the Immigration Department—yet many confirmed refugees are still using these cards inaccurately, as real identification must be established through Hong Kong identity cards.

This situation has intensified as there have been documented cases of illegal workers lending identity cards to delivery personnel for account registration, effectively creating a loophole in the system. Councillor Kwok has called for more robust enforcement against illegal labor and insists the government expedite the introduction of regulations that compel delivery platforms to verify the identity of all workers, recommending regular photo uploads for such verification.

Moreover, there are alarming reports indicating that some bogus refugees may be exploiting food cards to acquire food with the intention of reselling it for profit. Witnesses have seen individuals purchasing identical items repeatedly and loading them into vehicles, hinting at an organized resale operation that raises serious ethical and legal questions.

Concerns over public safety are becoming increasingly significant, particularly as these illegal workers often flout traffic regulations while making deliveries, putting pedestrians and drivers at risk. In response to these rising concerns, the Immigration Department has reaffirmed its dedication to fighting illegal employment, advising delivery services to rigorously verify that all applicants possess valid Hong Kong identity documents.

The Immigration Department has also reiterated that any violation of immigration conditions carries serious repercussions, including hefty fines of up to HK$50,000 and the possibility of imprisonment for up to two years. This issue raises eyebrows about the effectiveness of current immigration policies and the need for urgent reforms to protect both residents and legitimate refugees in Hong Kong.

As this ongoing saga unfolds, the community watches with bated breath, hoping for swift action to rectify these deep-rooted issues and restore trust in the food delivery industry. Stay tuned for further developments on this gripping story!