A total of 238 illegal workers have been netted in Macao in the first six months of the year, a year-on-year rise of 51 percent, according to an official statement issued on Friday.

The statement released by Macao's Public Security Police said 48 illegal laborers were apprehended in June alone.

It said in the first six months the police have conducted 768 raids on 830 businesses, resulting in identification checks of 7,474 workers.

The swoops led to the transfer of 132 illegal workers to the Public Prosecution for possible arraignment, it added.

Anyone in Macao found guilty of illegally offering gainful employment to a non-resident worker faces a prison term of up to eight years and a fine up to 50,000 patacas (US$6,250) for each illegally hired one.

Anyone found illegally working in Macao faces a fine of up to 20,000 patacas (US$2,500) and a two-year ban on seeking legal employment in Macao.

(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2005)