The migrants who have begun to make up the majority of prostitutes in the city face a further threat: if they approach the police, they are likely to face deportation for immigration offences.Įach quarter, Zi Teng records cases of robbery, police mistreatment, violence by clients and stories of handlers withholding pay. With brothels outlawed, women cannot band together for protection. But Shao says today's laws leave sex workers open to exploitation.

While soliciting clients and keeping a brothel are banned, so-called one-woman brothels are tolerated. Working as a prostitute is not illegal in Hong Kong. 'Why should their situation be much worse?'Īdvocates for the rights of sex workers say the industry is a legitimate means of survival, and those who work in it should be offered the same protection as other workers in the city.īut some researchers believe full legalisation could leave the women ostracised by society or struggling to make enough money. They sell their body I sell my hands and brain,' says Betty Shao Li-min, project manager with the sex workers' rights group Zi Teng. 'I think the sex workers are the same as me. But with its modern, safe image as a world city, can today's Hong Kong legitimise the women who follow in the footsteps of Suzie Wong. Legalised prostitution, like drugs, gambling and human trafficking, played a key role in the early development of Hong Kong. It may make sense from a welfare point of view but the economic argument suggests otherwise

To fully legalise the profession or not - it's a dilemma

Whispers and Moans by Yeeshan Yang