Cheap and illegal: mainland Chinese post social media adverts for services in Hong Kong

Hong Kong authorities have found that mainland Chinese social media still contains advertisements for unlicensed tour guide, photography, and other services despite a recent crackdown. SCMP's search of RedNote uncovered Shenzhen-based photographers offering services in Hong Kong, including at Disneyland, at rates as low as US$33 per hour for a minimum two-hour booking, along with reimbursement for travel expenses.

One RedNote user asked potential clients, "If you are afraid [of legal consequences], you should find a Hong Kong photographer." The SCMP reporter posed as a client to these RedNote advertisements, posing as someone seeking photography services at Disneyland. Despite the Immigration Department's recent arrest of four female mainland visitors on suspicion of working illegally in Hong Kong while advertising services online, mainland residents are expected to arrive in the city during the upcoming seven-day National Day holiday, which begins on October 1.

Other RedNote posts selling photography services during the holiday also charged similar amounts. Independent photography and tour guide services are banned at Disneyland, regardless of the providers' immigration status. The Immigration Department has previously arrested mainland visitors for working illegally in Hong Kong, including photographers and make-up artists.

Local businesses, such as make-up artist Erika Lau, have reported a decline in clients due to cheaper prices offered by mainland service providers. Under Hong Kong laws, illegal employment can result in a maximum penalty of a HK$50,000 fine and two years in jail, while those who hire illegal workers face a fine of HK$350,000 and three years' imprisonment.