Two mainland visitors charged over illegal guide work
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's Immigration Department and the Travel Industry Authority said they arrested two mainland Chinese visitors suspected of illegally providing tour guide and photography services in the city on September 7 and 8. The pair, a 31-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, have been charged with breaching their conditions of stay after officers posed as customers and booked services through social media platforms.
Key Points
- Authorities said suspected illegal workers had promoted guide and photography services on social media, prompting undercover inquiries and bookings by officers posing as customers.
- The two suspects were arrested when they came to Hong Kong to provide the arranged services, with arrests reported in Central and at the East Dam of High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung.
- Immigration officers said all visitors are barred from taking up any employment in Hong Kong, paid or unpaid, unless prior approval is granted by the Director of Immigration
- The Travel Industry Authority said it is separately investigating suspected breaches of the Travel Industry Ordinance and related rules, and does not rule out later prosecutions.
- During the enforcement action, officers also visited popular tourist attractions to distribute leaflets urging residents and travellers not to hire illegal tour guides or tour escorts.
Why It Matters
The operation was launched as the National Day Golden Week approaches, when visitor flows are expected to rise and regulators say they will step up inspections with other enforcement agencies. For Hong Kong readers and businesses, the case is also a reminder that employing people not lawfully employable can carry severe penalties under the Immigration Ordinance