The advert in the Chinese-language Apple Daily is the latest sign of growing ill-feeling between Hongkongers and mainlanders.

Paid for by online group Golden Forum, it features a giant locust overlooking the city skyline with the words: "Hongkongers have had enough!" and "This city is dying, you know?"

It demands action over "infiltrating" mainlanders and follows rows between locals and visitors over manners, name calling, soaring property prices and maternity wards creaking with those from over the border.

The baby boom has sparked debate as to whether newborns qualify for right of abode.

On Tuesday, Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai said a 1999 interpretation of the Basic Law clearly states they do not.

Fan, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said the government should have asked Beijing to step in two years later when the Court of Final Appeal gave abode to a mainland boy.

University of Hong Kong former dean of law Albert Chen Hung-yee yesterday disagreed with Fan, saying the court ruling must be respected.

Chen said common law principles must be followed even in understanding the intent of the Basic Law.

KENNETH FOO