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

Hong Kong authorities are facing a persistent challenge regarding mainland Chinese visitors using tourist visas to illegally offer commercial services in the city. Ahead of the upcoming National Day "golden week" holiday, social media platforms on the mainland continue to feature numerous advertisements offering unauthorized tour guide, photography, and other freelance services in Hong Kong.

The ongoing influx of unlicensed offerings persists despite an official crackdown by Hong Kong authorities aimed at stopping visitors from abusing their visa terms to perform illegal labor. The continued visibility of these advertisements highlights the difficulty regulators face in policing cross-border gig work coordinated through digital platforms.