9th September 2026 – (Hong Kong) The Immigration Department and the Travel Industry Authority jointly conducted an anti-illegal worker operation across two consecutive days on 7th and 8th September, targeting individuals suspected of violating legal restrictions by providing unlicensed tourist guide and photography services in Hong Kong. During the operation, two visitors from mainland China were arrested when officers, posing as customers, enquired about and booked services through social media platforms before detaining the suspects while they were offering these services. Both suspects, a man and a woman aged 31, now face charges for breaching their conditions of stay.
In response to growing reports of individuals using social media to promote unauthorised tourism-related services, authorities also distributed leaflets at popular tourist locations, emphasising the message “Don’t employ illegal tour escort or tourist guides”. A spokesperson for the Immigration Department highlighted the legal consequences for visitors who take up employment, whether paid or unpaid, without express permission from the Director of Immigration. Offenders may be liable to prosecution, facing a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment, with those assisting or abetting also subject to the same penalties.
The spokesperson further underscored that employers hiring workers who are not lawfully employable face much stricter penalties under recent legislative changes, including higher fines of up to $500,000 and imprisonment for up to ten years. Directors, managers, secretaries, and partners of companies involved may also bear direct criminal liability. The High Court maintains that immediate custodial sentences will be imposed on employers found guilty of hiring illegal workers. Employers are required by law to take all practical steps in verifying the lawful employability of a candidate, including thorough identity checks and seeking clarification where necessary. Failure to do so will not be accepted as a defence in legal proceedings, and if an employer neglects to inspect the relevant travel documents for those who do not possess a Hong Kong permanent identity card, the penalty upon conviction may reach a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for one year. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to robust enforcement to prevent and deter illegal employment activities across Hong Kong.