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

Hong Kong authorities have struggled to curb mainland Chinese visitors from offering unauthorized services, such as photography and tour guiding, on social media platforms ahead of the upcoming National Day holiday. A recent SCMP investigation revealed numerous advertisements on the RedNote platform from Shenzhen-based individuals offering their services in Hong Kong for affordable prices, often with the request that clients reimburse their travel expenses.

One such advertisement offered photography services at Hong Kong Disneyland for 220 yuan (approximately US$33) per hour, with a minimum booking time of two hours, plus travel costs of around 120 yuan. When confronted by an SCMP reporter posing as a potential client about her visa status, the RedNote user admitted to not possessing a valid visa for working in Hong Kong.

Despite Hong Kong's National Day break, which grants residents a seven-day holiday from October 1 to 7, immigration authorities have been actively pursuing those who break the law. During the past weekend, four mainland visitors were arrested on suspicion of illegally providing makeup, photography, and tour guide services in the city.

Two local women were also arrested for allegedly assisting illegal visitors in breaching their conditions of stay. In September, eight mainland visitors, including photographers and makeup artists, were previously arrested for working illegally in Hong Kong.

Local businesses, including makeup artists like Erika Lau, have been impacted by the influx of low-cost mainland providers. Lau explained that competitors from across the border could charge significantly less for wedding make-up services, with prices as low as HK$4,000 (approximately US$510) for a day's work, compared to the local rate. To remain competitive, Lau's fellow makeup artists have had to adapt their pricing and services to cater to the demands of mainland clients.