Pinoy permanent residents eligible for ‘HK$6,000 scheme’

Filipino permanent residents in Hong Kong may avail of a HK$6,000 cash handout by Hong Kong’s Financial Services and Treasury Bureau, the Philippine Consulate General there said.

In an announcement on its website, the Consulate General said those eligible for the handouts are Filipino permanent residents with valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards and are 18 years and up by March 31, 2012.

“Eligible persons may register for the Scheme through banks or the Hong Kong Post from 28 August 2011 to 31 December 2012. Each eligible person can only register for the Scheme once,” the consulate said.

Those who will register between August 29, 2011 and March 31, 2012 will receive HK$6,000.

On the other hand, those who will register between April 1 and December 31, 2012 will receive HK$6,200.

Registrants who meet the eligibility criteria will receive $6,000 in 10 to 12 weeks after registration, depending on whether the registration is made through banks or the Hong Kong Post.

Those who opt to receive $6,000 plus a bonus of $200 may register between April 1 to December 31, 2012.

Payments of $6,200 to these eligible persons will commence from May 2012.

Those seeking more information about the cash program may call the “Scheme $6,000” hotline at 186000 or visit www.scheme6000.gov.hk.

Scheme HK$6,000

According to the “Scheme $6,000” website, the program was launched on August 28.

Earlier this year, Hong Kong said it will give away HK$6,000 to each adult permanent resident in Hong Kong.

Reports said the government will also issue salary tax cuts due to a fiscal surplus for the fiscal year ending on March 31st.

Registration schedule

Those who choose to receive $6,000 may register by batches based on the following schedule:

Born 1946 or before (Aged 65 up): From August 28, 2011
Born 1947-1956 (Aged 55 to 64): From September 11, 2011
Born 1957-1966 (Aged 45 to 54): From September 25, 2011
Born 1967-1981 (Aged 30 to 44): From October 9, 2011
Born 1982-1993 (Aged 18 to 29): From October 23, 2011

Registration by batches will close on November 5, 2011.

“Eligible persons who have not registered during the batching period from 28 August 2011, regardless of their year of birth, may register for the Scheme on or before 31 March 2012 for payment of $6,000,” the Consulate General said.

The consulate also said eligible persons should register by batches according to their year of birth as set out in the above timetable.

“Even if a registrant submits registration form at an earlier time, his/her registration will still be processed according to the above timetable. In other words, early registration does not mean early payment,” it said. – VVP, GMA News