A mainland man and woman, both reported to be 31, were arrested during a joint enforcement operation targeting suspected unlicensed tour-guide work in Hong Kong on 7 and 8 September. The operation was conducted by the Immigration Department and the Travel Industry Authority at High Island Reservoir East Dam in Sai Kung and in Central.
The two were arrested while allegedly providing tour-guide-related services in Hong Kong. They are suspected of breaching their conditions of stay by working as tour guides without approval. Some reports also said they may have been providing photography services, although the precise scope of the allegations remains unclear.
According to reports, officers responded to social-media advertisements for tour-guide and photography services by posing as customers. They used online platforms to make enquiries and bookings before taking action when the two suspects came to Hong Kong to provide the services.
The Travel Industry Authority said it was investigating possible breaches of the Travel Industry Ordinance and related requirements. It has not ruled out bringing prosecutions, but the formal charges and subsequent handling of the case were not stated in the available reports.
With the National Day Golden Week holiday approaching, the authority said it would work with other enforcement departments to step up inspections and strictly enforce the Travel Industry Ordinance.
RTHK reported that anyone providing tour-guide services without a valid licence faces a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and up to one year in prison. The available reports do not establish whether either suspect has been formally charged or whether both were involved in the same combination of services.