https://www.scmp.com/rss/522162/feed The latest news and top stories on Malaysia’s Immigration Department. A prominent Malaysian governmental body, the Immigration Department of Malaysia is headquartered in Putrajaya. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, its primary mission is to systematically enhance immigration service delivery for national security and public well-being. Key activities include issuing passports visas and permits, managing movement at entry points, and enforcing immigration laws. Established in 1922,... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities have arrested 119 people linked to a HK$20 million (US$2.6 million) racket that sold fake identity cards and arranged accommodation for cross-border workers to obtain jobs illegally in the city – the largest sum recorded in such a case to date. The Immigration Department said on Thursday the operation was carried out between October and January in collaboration with Guangdong provincial and Zhuhai authorities. Tang Ka-fai, senior principal immigration... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342476/119-arrests-made-over-hk20-million-fake-hong-kong-id-and-illegal-work-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342476/119-arrests-made-over-hk20-million-fake-hong-kong-id-and-illegal-work-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:04:07 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong authorities have arrested two men and two women in an undercover operation targeting those allegedly working illegally as cleaners and renovation workers, after mainland Chinese businesses advertised their services online ahead of Lunar New Year. Chan Yan-kit, a task force deputy commander of the Immigration Department, said on Friday that the operation was conducted between January 22 and 29, with officers posing as customers to lure suspects into the city before arresting them. They... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341818/4-arrested-crackdown-mainland-chinese-firms-offering-illegal-labour-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341818/4-arrested-crackdown-mainland-chinese-firms-offering-illegal-labour-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:53:35 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Harvey Kong,Jess Ma Ng Kang-chung,Harvey Kong,Jess Ma A Hong Kong travel blogger reported to have been missing “for many days” while visiting protest-hit Iran is safe and has been in touch with city authorities. Hong Kong’s Immigration Department said on Saturday evening that it had advised the woman to leave Iran as soon as possible. “The department has been in touch with the woman through the Chinese embassy and consulate in the country and confirmed her safety, and also advised her to leave the country as soon as possible,” it said. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3340222/hongkonger-reported-missing-iran-many-days-amid-internet-shutdown-protests?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3340222/hongkonger-reported-missing-iran-many-days-amid-internet-shutdown-protests?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:01:02 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong immigration authorities have broken up an operation in which two local restaurant owners hired illegal foreign workers at their food factory to supply products to their eatery and culinary fairs in the city. Pau Hiu-fung from the Immigration Department’s foreign domestic helpers investigation section said on Tuesday that two owners of a local Southeast Asian restaurant and five illegal workers they hired were arrested last Saturday. “Our investigations show that the food produced by... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3338949/2-owners-hong-kong-eatery-arrested-hiring-5-illegal-workers-food-factory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3338949/2-owners-hong-kong-eatery-arrested-hiring-5-illegal-workers-food-factory?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 11:22:44 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Fiona Chow Connor Mycroft,Fiona Chow The number of inbound visitors to Hong Kong on New Year’s Eve rose by 25 per cent from 2024, despite the city forgoing its traditional fireworks display because of the deadly Tai Po fire, with bars and hotels appearing to benefit the most from the increase in footfall over the holiday. But with the number of departures by Hongkongers also increasing by nearly 21 per cent over the same period, not all businesses stood to gain equally. Immigration Department figures compiled by the Post on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338413/hong-kong-welcomes-25-more-visitors-new-years-eve-2024?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338413/hong-kong-welcomes-25-more-visitors-new-years-eve-2024?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:30:08 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Domestic helper Siti Zulaikho has only one word to describe her life after Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades turned everything upside down: “chaotic.” The 41-year-old Indonesian was among more than 200 domestic helpers living in Wang Fuk Court when the 43-hour blaze broke out on November 26, engulfing seven of the housing estate’s eight buildings and killing 161 people. Over the past month, she has relocated with her employers four times – first to a shelter, then to a hotel, and then to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337941/i-cannot-sleep-soundly-helper-battles-trauma-job-insecurity-after-hong-kong-fire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337941/i-cannot-sleep-soundly-helper-battles-trauma-job-insecurity-after-hong-kong-fire?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Dec 2025 12:00:08 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung A Hongkonger was killed in an avalanche at a popular skiing destination in northwestern mainland China last week, the Post has learned, with city authorities offering support to the victim’s family. A source on Tuesday said the victim, whose death was announced by tourism authorities in Kanas, northern Xinjiang, was a Hong Kong resident. In a reply to the Post, Hong Kong’s Immigration Department said that a request for assistance had been received. The Hong Kong government’s office in Beijing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337542/avalanche-ski-resort-northern-xinjiang-kills-hongkonger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337542/avalanche-ski-resort-northern-xinjiang-kills-hongkonger?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:49:06 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Australian soft rock duo Air Supply will headline Hong Kong’s New Year countdown after the fireworks show was cancelled, with authorities expecting more than 11 million travellers to cross the city’s borders during the festive period. The government also said on Tuesday that they were in discussions with the Shenzhen government to extend border crossing hours on New Year’s Eve, pending approval from the national port authorities. The Hong Kong Tourism Board announced on Tuesday that Air Supply... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337535/soft-rock-duo-air-supply-headline-hong-kongs-new-year-countdown-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337535/soft-rock-duo-air-supply-headline-hong-kongs-new-year-countdown-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:55:26 +0000 The Star The Star A group of 31 Malaysians, victims of a job scam syndicate in Myawaddy, Myanmar, have been successfully repatriated following a high-level diplomatic operation, the Malay language daily Sinar Harian reported. They arrived at the Bukit Kayu Hitam immigration complex near the Thai-Malaysian border at 6.50pm on Saturday. Upon arrival, they were immediately handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police for further investigation into the syndicate’s operations. While the victims’ identities were confirmed... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3337196/31-malaysians-rescued-myanmar-job-scam-centre-return-home-thai-border?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3337196/31-malaysians-rescued-myanmar-job-scam-centre-return-home-thai-border?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Dec 2025 14:52:45 +0000 Bibek Bhandari Bibek Bhandari As tourist numbers climb back towards record highs, Nepal is rolling out a new digital registration system to track every foreign visitor, in a move officials say will boost safety and curb visa misuse. Starting from January 1, all foreign visitors will be required to register detailed accommodation information through the government’s new digital platform, replacing the earlier system that allowed only partial disclosures. Authorities say the measure will modernise an overstretched immigration... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3336654/nepal-rolls-out-tourist-tracking-system-keep-tabs-foreigners-after-protest-delays?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3336654/nepal-rolls-out-tourist-tracking-system-keep-tabs-foreigners-after-protest-delays?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:00:15 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Local immigration authorities have received a request for help after a 46-year-old Hong Kong tourist was arrested in Japan following a car crash. The Hong Kong man was arrested after his rental car reportedly veered across the centre line on a frozen highway in Kyowa, Hokkaido, colliding with another vehicle at around 3.50pm on Wednesday. The Japanese driver, 52, in the other vehicle was taken to hospital with sternum and left wrist fractures. The Hong Kong driver and his three passengers were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3336118/hong-kong-tourist-arrested-japan-after-crashing-rental-car-injuring-driver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3336118/hong-kong-tourist-arrested-japan-after-crashing-rental-car-injuring-driver?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:53:56 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng A deadly Hong Kong blaze that claimed the lives of several domestic helpers will not deter Filipinos from working in the city, the Philippines’ migrant workers minister has said, adding that the city has always been a “safe haven”. Speaking to the Post during a visit to Hong Kong on Tuesday, Hans Leo Cacdac, secretary for the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers, said his government would provide financial assistance to affected helpers and support for their children. He also touched on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334958/hong-kong-fire-will-not-deter-filipino-helpers-working-city-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334958/hong-kong-fire-will-not-deter-filipino-helpers-working-city-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:37:48 +0000 The Star The Star An Indonesian domestic worker forced into unpaid labour was rescued by Malaysia’s Immigration Department after a raid at a home in Batu Caves, Selangor state. In a statement on Wednesday, immigration director general Zakaria Shaaban said the victim was rescued during an operation on Monday. He said the operation followed information gathered by sources. “During the inspection, the woman was found hiding under a four-wheel drive vehicle at the premises,” he said. Zakaria said investigations... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3334296/malaysia-rescues-indonesian-helper-after-years-abuse-and-unpaid-labour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3334296/malaysia-rescues-indonesian-helper-after-years-abuse-and-unpaid-labour?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Nov 2025 02:15:16 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk Thailand has begun enforcing tougher controls on repeat visa-exempt entries, with immigration officials saying the move is not to target genuine tourism but to curb abuse by foreigners who overstay or operate illegal businesses or scams. Immigration officers across Thailand have been instructed to scrutinise travellers who make multiple short-term visits under the country’s visa-free policy, following a nationwide order issued on November 12. Officials said the new approach targeted foreigners... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3334212/thailand-curb-repeat-visa-free-entries-amid-rise-scams-illegal-work?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3334212/thailand-curb-repeat-visa-free-entries-amid-rise-scams-illegal-work?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:18:22 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong are set to get a larger shelter from their consulate, with some groups hoping their years-long demand for a new facility will result in more “flexible” arrangements to better suit the needs of distressed migrant workers. Unions and organisations said the current shelter operated by the Philippine consulate was insufficient to deal with the demand, pointing to similar lodgings offered by NGOs that were also frequently full and struggling to stay... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3333825/philippines-pledges-bigger-consulate-run-shelter-helpers-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3333825/philippines-pledges-bigger-consulate-run-shelter-helpers-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 04:00:18 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong immigration officers have arrested 34 people, including 13 former domestic helpers who overstayed their visas, during an operation to crack down on illegal labour. The three-day operation was among a series of citywide crackdowns by the Immigration Department on illegal workers over the past week. The collective effort has resulted in the arrests of 33 suspected illegal workers, 10 alleged employers and two overstayers in total. The department said on Friday that officers conducted the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3333679/34-arrested-hong-kong-crackdown-illegal-workers-including-13-ex-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3333679/34-arrested-hong-kong-crackdown-illegal-workers-including-13-ex-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:19:01 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong immigration officers have arrested two residents suspected of being core members of a cross-border sham marriage syndicate that generated more than HK$7.5 million (US$964,823) in illicit earnings, following a joint operation with mainland Chinese law enforcement agencies. Chief Immigration Officer Tang Wai-yip said on Monday that the department apprehended a man, 43, and a woman, 57, after searching two flats, suspecting the pair were the syndicate’s masterminds. The latest arrests... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3333060/2-hongkongers-held-over-hk75-million-cross-border-sham-marriage-syndicate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3333060/2-hongkongers-held-over-hk75-million-cross-border-sham-marriage-syndicate?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:50:03 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong’s Security Bureau, police and customs have joined the government’s push to boost voter turnout in the coming Legislative Council election by releasing a series of lighthearted videos featuring top officials getting hair makeovers while using Cantonese puns to urge residents to vote. These clips play on the shared Cantonese pronunciation for “hair” and “law”, encouraging residents to prioritise voting over styling their hair. The campaigns feature Secretary for Security Chris Tang... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332393/hair-raising-hong-kongs-top-officials-style-cantonese-puns-poll-day-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332393/hair-raising-hong-kongs-top-officials-style-cantonese-puns-poll-day-push?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:09:02 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong immigration officers have arrested 21 people in a crackdown on illegal workers in the city, including two domestic helpers found to be employed as mountain biking coaches without relevant credentials. Lo Tin-yau, senior officer with the Immigration Department’s foreign domestic helpers special investigation section, said on Tuesday that authorities arrested 14 suspected illegal workers and seven alleged local employers over the past week. “Illegal workers will have to face criminal... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3332349/hong-kong-immigration-authorities-arrest-21-crackdown-illegal-workers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3332349/hong-kong-immigration-authorities-arrest-21-crackdown-illegal-workers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:49:51 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong authorities should improve mortuary services and streamline procedures for death registration and cremation arrangements to ease pressure on mortuaries, according to a lawmaker. Edward Lau Kwok-fan’s remarks on Monday followed the government’s decision to end free storage of bodies in public mortuaries, which sparked controversy and led to an extension of the original proposed three-day exemption of charges to four weeks. Lau said on a radio show that the government was receptive to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3332160/hong-kong-lawmaker-urges-simpler-post-death-arrangements-amid-mortuary-fee-outcry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3332160/hong-kong-lawmaker-urges-simpler-post-death-arrangements-amid-mortuary-fee-outcry?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:47:18 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu Hong Kong will extend visa-free short-term entry to professionals in another five sectors from Saturday, allowing more non-local talent to work temporarily without a permit as part of efforts to strengthen the city’s role as a “superconnector”. The government said on Friday that the expansion of the “immigration facilitation scheme” would cover the environment, occupational safety and health, maritime, think tank and “other” sectors. The additions will bring the total number of covered sectors... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3331092/hong-kong-extends-visa-free-short-term-entry-scheme-non-local-professionals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3331092/hong-kong-extends-visa-free-short-term-entry-scheme-non-local-professionals?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:39:23 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma National Games athletes will be able to enter and depart Hong Kong in seven seconds flat, using 16 dedicated e-channels across four checkpoints, the Immigration Department has announced. This marks the first time visitors will have access to the contactless immigration clearance channels in Hong Kong. Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung said on Monday that his department estimated around 5,000 people from various delegations would enter the city via these dedicated clearance lanes... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3330497/16-hong-kong-e-channels-speed-national-games-athletes-entry-7-seconds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3330497/16-hong-kong-e-channels-speed-national-games-athletes-entry-7-seconds?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:13:28 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk Thai immigration officials have denied claims that a Belarusian model was abducted while in Bangkok and forcibly taken to Myanmar, where tabloids claim she was reportedly killed by a criminal gang. The unconfirmed death of 26-year-old Vera Kravtsova has gained international attention in recent days after Russian and British tabloids reported that, following her arrival in Thailand, she was kidnapped and brought to northern Myanmar, where she was tortured and had her organs harvested while being... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3329967/belarusian-model-reportedly-killed-myanmar-went-there-her-own-thai-police?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3329967/belarusian-model-reportedly-killed-myanmar-went-there-her-own-thai-police?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:32:04 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong police have dismantled a local vice syndicate allegedly led by an 18-year-old woman, which exploited underage girls for sex services, arresting 58 people in two crackdowns. Chief Inspector Yim Wan-ha of Kowloon West said on Saturday that the force recently apprehended 23 people in a crackdown on the local syndicate suspected of recruiting teenage girls for prostitution through online social platforms and youth hang-out spots with the lure of quick money. “Core members befriend underage... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3329510/hong-kong-police-bust-vice-ring-exploiting-minors-arrest-18-year-old-mastermind?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3329510/hong-kong-police-bust-vice-ring-exploiting-minors-arrest-18-year-old-mastermind?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Oct 2025 08:27:46 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong A Belarusian model fighting against his deportation from Hong Kong has been handed a suspended jail sentence for a drunken assault on two police officers following a domestic dispute. Eastern Court on Tuesday sentenced Aliaksandr Buka to six weeks’ imprisonment, but suspended the term for 18 months after the 25-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a police officer. The court heard police officers were dispatched to a high-rise residential flat in the Mid-Levels on the evening of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3329009/hong-kong-court-suspends-jail-term-belarusian-model-who-assaulted-2-officers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3329009/hong-kong-court-suspends-jail-term-belarusian-model-who-assaulted-2-officers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:44:46 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong immigration officers have arrested 19 people in a citywide crackdown on illegal workers, with five of them providing food delivery services unlawfully. The eight-day operation began last Thursday and involved raids on 133 locations, including restaurants and logistics warehouses, Li Kwing-chiu, deputy commander of the Immigration Department, said on Friday. Among those arrested were 13 illegal workers, three employers suspected of hiring illegal workers and three individuals suspected... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3328487/hong-kong-immigration-authorities-arrest-19-crackdown-illegal-workers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3328487/hong-kong-immigration-authorities-arrest-19-crackdown-illegal-workers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:05:05 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Hong Kong retailers and caterers have reported business growth of up to 20 per cent year on year during mainland China’s National Day “golden week” break, with one tourist spending a whopping HK$1 million (US$128,500) on international brands. Industry leaders said stores selling gold, jewellery and cosmetic products emerged as the big winners as the eight-day break wrapped up on Wednesday, while cha chaan teng were the top dining choice, followed by Chinese restaurants. Cha chaan teng are Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328273/hong-kong-retailers-caterers-enjoy-national-day-break-business-growth-20?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328273/hong-kong-retailers-caterers-enjoy-national-day-break-business-growth-20?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:20:13 +0000 Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun Mainland Chinese visitors have continued to stream into Hong Kong for the National Day “golden week” holiday, with many heading to the horse races and enjoying discounts on movie tickets and free transport rides. According to the Immigration Department, 454,778 cross-border trips were made on the first two days of the eight-day holiday. A check of mainland social media and interviews with tourists showed which activities, events and places were proving to be popular. High on the agenda was the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327838/how-are-mainland-chinese-visitors-enjoying-hong-kong-during-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327838/how-are-mainland-chinese-visitors-enjoying-hong-kong-during-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:00:32 +0000 William Yiu,Fiona Sun William Yiu,Fiona Sun Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities have a consensus that the city will not issue student visas to pupils across the border, the education minister has revealed, explaining that they are excluded from a scheme to increase the non-local intake at semi-private schools. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin also said on Friday that aided and government schools were excluded from the scheme because most of them offered the local curriculum and used Chinese as the medium of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3326207/no-hong-kong-student-visas-mainland-chinese-pupils-under-mutual-agreement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3326207/no-hong-kong-student-visas-mainland-chinese-pupils-under-mutual-agreement?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:19:22 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong is attracting tourists in droves and hoping they will spend freely and boost the economy. But some visitors from mainland China are not here for sightseeing or to attend mega-events. Their plans involve working illegally in the city. This type of traveller is not welcome. The prevalence of such work and the variety of services offered are growing. Eight mainland visitors were arrested in the two weeks up to September 3, on suspicion of offering photography and make-up sessions to local... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3325550/hong-kongs-welcome-tourists-does-not-extend-illegal-work?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3325550/hong-kongs-welcome-tourists-does-not-extend-illegal-work?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Sep 2025 23:15:13 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok A second Hong Kong tour group member has died following a crash on a scenic highway in Xinjiang last week that left two others injured. The Travel Industry Authority said a member of the tour organised by Travel Circle International (TCI) died on Monday. The first person was killed on the night of the accident in the far-western region of mainland China last Wednesday. The authority expressed deep sorrow over the casualties and said it would continue to work closely with the travel agency to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3324798/second-hong-kong-tourist-injured-xinjiang-highway-crash-dies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3324798/second-hong-kong-tourist-injured-xinjiang-highway-crash-dies?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:07:56 +0000 Chen Zheng Chen Zheng Disturbing reports have surfaced of Chinese students travelling to the United States being subjected to discriminatory and politically motivated treatment. Young students have been pulled aside for hours of questioning, even denied entry under the pretext of national security. While the US has implemented stricter border controls and immigration policies, Chinese students have nothing to do with illegal immigration. They are genuine assets to both countries – not national security risks. As the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3324388/no-amount-china-scapegoating-will-reverse-americas-decline?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3324388/no-amount-china-scapegoating-will-reverse-americas-decline?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:30:08 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk Foreigners wanting to set up shop in Malaysia have taken to marrying locals to circumvent the law amid a crackdown on illegal foreign-owned businesses, parliament has heard. To protect small and medium-sized enterprises from foreign competition in Malaysia, only citizens and permanent residents were allowed to register sole proprietorships or partnerships, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh told parliament on Wednesday. “However, there are foreigners who take... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3324335/malaysia-foreigners-take-advantage-marriage-locals-run-businesses-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3324335/malaysia-foreigners-take-advantage-marriage-locals-run-businesses-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Sep 2025 08:50:41 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong immigration authorities have arrested eight mainland Chinese visitors for allegedly providing illegal make-up and photography services at popular tourist attractions. The Immigration Department said on Thursday that enforcement officers arrested one man and seven women, aged between 19 and 39, in the last two weeks. Four of them worked illegally as photographers and four as make-up artists. According to Deputy Commander Chun Yuk-tung, another two local women, aged 20 and 27, who... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3324294/8-visitors-arrested-hong-kong-providing-illegal-photo-make-services?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3324294/8-visitors-arrested-hong-kong-providing-illegal-photo-make-services?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:54:43 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk Nepal will soon require all foreign visitors to digitally register their movements using a government-developed mobile app in a sweeping new policy aimed at balancing safety, immigration control and tourism growth. The Department of Immigration launched the NepaliPort Traveller and Foreign National Tracking Module on Tuesday, saying the move would allow authorities to better monitor visa compliance, streamline emergency responses and coordinate with tourism stakeholders. The mobile app – which... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3324222/nepal-track-all-foreign-visitors-using-mandatory-mobile-app-september-17?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3324222/nepal-track-all-foreign-visitors-using-mandatory-mobile-app-september-17?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:15:21 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong authorities have contacted a local policeman who managed to flee from a scam farm in Cambodia, with the force planning to dispatch officers to investigate and help him. The government confirmed the case on Friday, hours after a viral post on the online forum LIHKG said a constable serving at Ma On Shan Police Station had called his office to seek help, giving his name and identity number as proof. A government spokesman said that police had confirmed the man was in Cambodia, while the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3323723/hong-kong-police-officer-tricked-working-cambodian-scam-farm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3323723/hong-kong-police-officer-tricked-working-cambodian-scam-farm?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:27:24 +0000 Elisha M. Sonthra,David Yu Chak-wai Elisha M. Sonthra,David Yu Chak-wai The arrest of six Filipino domestic helpers for running an unlicensed dental clinic in Sham Shui Po has exposed a troubling reality about healthcare inequality in Hong Kong. While the raid was hailed as a victory against “illegal labour activities”, this overlooked the desperation that drives people to seek dental care from untrained practitioners who taught themselves using YouTube videos. The facts suggest not a criminal enterprise but a form of community self-help. Treatments reportedly cost... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3322855/hong-kongs-black-market-dental-care-wont-be-fixed-arresting-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3322855/hong-kongs-black-market-dental-care-wont-be-fixed-arresting-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:18 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu More than half of the professionals admitted to Hong Kong under a top talent scheme launched two years ago have applied to extend their stay, a rate that the city’s labour chief has hailed as “ideal”. Reviewing the Top Talent Pass Scheme, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han also revealed on Friday that the median monthly salary of those who had successfully extended their visas was HK$40,000 (US$5,128), while a quarter earned HK$80,000. Sun also dismissed concerns that the new... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3322055/hong-kong-top-talent-schemes-54-visa-extension-rate-ideal-labour-chief-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3322055/hong-kong-top-talent-schemes-54-visa-extension-rate-ideal-labour-chief-says?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:48:35 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok The Immigration Department is providing support to the family of a 26-year-old Hong Kong man who is suspected to be missing in Cambodia. The department said on Wednesday night it had contacted China’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong and the Chinese embassy in Cambodia, and was providing support and guidance in accordance with the family’s wishes, while not disclosing any details. Hong Kong media earlier reported that a 26-year-old Hongkonger had asked for help on social media during a trip... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3321798/immigration-department-helping-family-hong-kong-man-26-missing-cambodia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3321798/immigration-department-helping-family-hong-kong-man-26-missing-cambodia?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Aug 2025 03:55:59 +0000 Denise Tsang,Lo Hoi-ying Denise Tsang,Lo Hoi-ying This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster issued a black rainstorm signal for a second time in six hours on Tuesday as heavy showers caused flash floods and wreaked havoc across the city, paralysing many public services and prompting authorities to suspend classes. The Hong Kong Observatory raised the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3320746/second-black-rainstorm-warning-6-hours-stay-force-hong-kong-until-11am?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3320746/second-black-rainstorm-warning-6-hours-stay-force-hong-kong-until-11am?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:44:44 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong immigration authorities have arrested 18 people over a “one-stop service” to gain residency, including 13 talent scheme applicants from mainland China who are each suspected of paying HK$2.5 million (US$318,470) for fake documents such as academic qualifications. Hui Chi-kin, an assistant principal immigration officer, said on Wednesday that the case was the first time the Immigration Department had uncovered a criminal syndicate targeting applicants for the government’s Top Talent... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3319286/18-arrested-over-forged-hong-kong-talent-scheme-documents-including-13-mainland-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3319286/18-arrested-over-forged-hong-kong-talent-scheme-documents-including-13-mainland-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:18:41 +0000 The Star The Star Long queues have been reported at all of Malaysia’s major entry points nationwide after tens of thousands of foreigners were unable to use the autogate facility. However, Malaysian passport holders are able to use the autogates without any issues. The breakdown, which started at about noon on Friday, has been described as the worst ever, involving more than 200 autogates nationwide. Among the major gateways affected include Kuala Lumpur International Airport Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, as... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3318852/malaysias-worst-ever-autogate-breakdown-traps-foreigners-nationwide?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3318852/malaysias-worst-ever-autogate-breakdown-traps-foreigners-nationwide?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Jul 2025 08:22:55 +0000