Hong Kong cracks down on visitors abusing visas to run one-stop shop tourist services

Hong Kong's immigration authorities have intensified efforts to target tourists who abuse their visas to operate unlicensed one-stop shops providing cosmetic, photography, and tour guide services. A task force commander, Li Kwing-chiu, revealed that four women aged between 20 and 31 were arrested for running such a shop without proper authorization. The suspects, who entered the city on tourist visas on Sunday and Monday, allegedly charged visitors several hundred Hong Kong dollars daily for their services.

The Immigration Department has become aware of posts on social media platforms offering "one-stop shops" for make-up, photography, and tour guide services in Hong Kong. These adverts, found on the mainland Chinese platform RedNote, provided pricing details for photoshoots depending on whether they took place indoors or outdoors. Clients were required to cover the providers' travel and visa fees.

During their investigation, immigration officers impersonated potential customers to establish contact with the suspects and book service packages. The four women were apprehended upon their arrival in Hong Kong with tourist visas. One of the women was a make-up artist charging HK$700 (US$89) per day, while the other three were photographers-tour guides charging between HK$400 and HK$600 per package.

They claimed they could arrange tours in popular tourist spots like Tsim Sha Tsui, West Kowloon Cultural District, and theme parks, while also offering styling advice and photography services.

Li emphasized that all visitors to Hong Kong cannot undertake paid or unpaid labor without prior permission from the director of immigration. Anyone found in violation of this rule could face a fine of HK$50,000 and a two-year prison sentence. In September of the previous year, the Immigration Department had arrested eight mainland visitors suspected of working illegally as photographers and make-up artists at tourist destinations.

Two local women were also arrested for partnering with these illegal workers and aiding visitors in breaching their visa conditions. Employers found hiring illegal workers in Hong Kong risk a fine of HK$350,000 and a three-year prison term.