Explainer | HK$5,000 vouchers: who qualifies, who doesn’t, and where can you spend them in Hong Kong?
- Adult permanent residents, and migrants from mainland China can soon register for the digital vouchers designed to boost city’s economy
- The vouchers will be available on a variety of e-payment platforms, but not if you are a work-permit holder or domestic helper
Hong Kong’s long-awaited HK$5,000 consumption voucher scheme will open for registration from July 4, and is expected to give a strong boost to many businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Residents will receive the digital vouchers in two or three instalments depending on which electronic payment operator they choose, but those who prefer to have the money on stored-valued Octopus cards will enjoy a greater flexibility in spending.
Those registering between July 4 and July 17 can get the money as early as August 1, and residents can have at least five months to spend the sum. The deadline to apply for the vouchers is August 14.
Here is what you need to know about the scheme.
1. Why is the government giving out these vouchers?
Announcing the details on Friday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said he hoped the vouchers would help stimulate consumer sentiment in the city.