THE Post Office recently introduced a new rule for the redirection of mail: 'Copy of proof of identity, business registration certificate is required for every applicant.' On further inquiry, staff at the Post Office confirmed that mail for companies without a business registration certificate will not be redirected.
I can understand why the Post Office may have a legitimate reason to require proof of identity to process a redirection request, however, there are other valid documents for proof of identity for a company than a business registration certificate. Whether a company is required to be registered as a business in Hong Kong should be the exclusive domain of the Companies Registry.
Furthermore, redirection of mail by the Post Office is a service connected with the flow of mail. Those entities requiring mail redirection obviously expect to receive mail, and those receiving mail are presumed to be sending mail; i.e., buying stamps, the source of income for the Post Office. By denying those without a business registration (something totally unrelated to the use of mail) is discrimination without a valid basis.
What is the logic for the Post Office to put barriers to overseas companies which, although not doing business here may nevertheless like to use the facilities here? WILLIAM AUYANG Central