I AM a resident of Hong Kong having been gainfully employed since my arrival in 1992.
Like any ordinary Hong Kong resident I pay my taxes as and when due and this year attracted by the favourable tax loan packages offered by the various banks I applied for a tax loan to a bank in Hong Kong.
However, it was rejected on the basis that I did not possess a three star identity card.
It is useful to mention here that none of the banks in their advertisements either through pamphlets or other media, mentioned that the tax loans were only available to residents with 'three stars' identity cards (that is, Hong Kong-born or permanent residents).
I asked the bank officer processing my loan application if the bank considered me a higher credit risk as I have been granted overdraft facilities on the same salary package (and identity card) by other banks.
She replied in the negative and clearly told me that it was the lack of 'three stars' on my identity card which was the basis of rejection, yet the same bank had, two weeks earlier, granted my sister (on similar residency status as myself) a tax loan.
