Hong Kong policy address 2023: John Lee to offer HK$20,000 cash handouts to new parents, other incentives to help families
- Government arrived at sum after deciding larger amount could encourage people to have babies just for money, according to source
- Authorities will also try to encourage students from belt and road countries to study at local universities by doubling intake to about 6,000
The government arrived at this sum after deciding that a larger amount such as a doubling of it as proposed by some could encourage people to have babies for the monetary benefits, a source said.
Lee on Tuesday expressed confidence his policy speech would address expectations, after a three-month consultation period involving over 40 meetings and more than 8,700 pieces of feedback that helped him set priorities.
“Hong Kong is our shared home,” Lee said. “This policy address of mine is my vision and commitment to the people. It is a policy address for every resident.”
The Post earlier reported that Lee would roll out new measures to address structural problems in the economy, which have been aggravated by an ageing population and sluggish diversification of activity.
Sources revealed that Lee’s administration hoped to encourage more Hongkongers to have children by offering monetary incentives to couples, with HK$20,000 handed out for each newborn if at least one of the parents is a permanent resident of Hong Kong.