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| The arrested tour guide advertised his services on social media |
Operatives from the Immigration Department (ID) and the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) have been conducting covert operations as part of their crackdown on illegal workers providing tour escort services around Hong Kong.
In one such
operation, a 27-year-old male from the Mainland was arrested on suspicion of
acting as an illegal tour guide.
Immigration said
the suspect was arrested after he advertised his tour guide and escort services
on social media. Officers disguised as customers enquired about, and booked
services from the suspect.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
Following his
arrest, Immigration said it would consider prosecuting him for breach of
condition of stay.
Immigration has widened
its anti illegal work operations lately by cracking down on tourists who offer
services, from photography and makeup, usually through social media.
It reiterates that
tourists who engage in any work in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, violate
their condition of stay and could be liable to prosecution. If convicted, they
face a maximum jail term or three years in prison and a maximum fine of
HK$50,000.
Recently, the
Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong aired the same warning, reminding Filipinos
who come in as tourist that they are violating immigration laws by engaging in commercial
activities, like selling condominium units, insurance cover or investment
products, even if these are located in the Philippines.
Those who offer
professional services like lawyers and doctors not licensed in Hong Kong
violate the same law.
Those who wish to
report any illegal employment activities may call the
dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk,
or submit the "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form
at www.immd.gov.hk.
