Shenzhen Makeup Artist at Miss HK Final Sparks Immigration Debate
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Former Miss Hong Kong runner-up Sze Yuqi faces scrutiny after a Shenzhen-based makeup company publicly claimed to have provided styling services for her at the 2026 Miss Hong Kong final on August 30. The company, "Yi Meng Styling," disclosed the arrangement on social media platform Xiaohongshu, leading to questions about work permits and immigration compliance. TVB maintained the makeup artist was a longtime friend assisting without compensation, while the Immigration Department emphasized that all visitors require approval for any work activities in Hong Kong.
Key Points
- Sze Yuqi, 27, attended the August 30 Miss Hong Kong 2026 final to crown the new winner, accompanied by a makeup artist from Shenzhen company Yi Meng Styling
- Yi Meng Styling posted on Xiaohongshu confirming it was a private hire for Sze only, not arranged through TVB, and claimed to have done her wedding makeup as well
- When journalists inquired about service fees, the company quoted 2,500 to 26,880 RMB, noting "it's best to have a visa" but offered to help bypass customs if lacking proper documentation
- TVB stated the makeup artist was Sze's longtime friend attending as a personal guest, providing voluntary assistance with no financial transaction involved
- Immigration Department confirmed visitors cannot engage in any employment without approval, whether paid or unpaid, with maximum penalties of HK$50,000 fine and two years imprisonment
Why It Matters
This incident exposes potential loopholes in Hong Kong's immigration enforcement regarding cross-border gig workers in entertainment, with authorities having arrested 64 suspected illegal workers in sting operations over the past 18 months . The controversy also raises questions about Sze Yuqi's future with TVB, as she reportedly declined to renew her contract while planning her December wedding in Hainan with her boyfriend .
This incident exposes potential loopholes in Hong Kong's immigration enforcement regarding cross-border gig workers in entertainment, with authorities having arrested 64 suspected illegal workers in sting operations over the past 18 months . The controversy also raises questions about Sze Yuqi's future with TVB, as she reportedly declined to renew her contract while planning her December wedding in Hainan with her boyfriend .