LegCo Approves HK$1.5 Billion for New Immigrants

Who benefits?

LegCo’s Finance Committee approved a HK$1.5 billion top-up to the Community Care Fund, paying HK$6,000 to eligible low-income new immigrants by year-end — over 200,000 beneficiaries. The Home Affairs chief says household-based income limits apply and no further top-up should be needed.

What’s controversial?

Critics slam the asset test; labour groups question why permanent residents who defer collection get an extra HK$200 but new immigrants don’t. The government says the payment helps newcomers settle in.