The Immigration Department said on Friday 19 people had been arrested in an operation targeting illegal workers.

The arrests came as officers carried out checks on more than 130 locations across Hong Kong, including restaurants and warehouses.

Those arrested included 13 suspected illegal workers, three employers suspected of hiring them and three individuals accused of aiding or abetting them.

Li Kwing-chiu, deputy commander of the task force in charge of the operation, said the 19 were involved in the food delivery, cleaning, dishwashing, kitchen work and logistics sectors.

He said the operation is ongoing and that there could be further arrests.

"I'd like to make an appeal to all employers – hiring illegal workers is a serious offence," Li said.

"The Immigration Department is monitoring the situation closely and will proactively crack down on these illegal activities."