Over 1.5 million apply for Hong Kong’s e-consumption voucher

The vouchers, worth $5,000, may be used at online and physical stores in retail, F&B, and other services.

The government received about 1.55 million applications on the first day of electronic registration for the Consumption Voucher Scheme over the weekend.

Of this number, 1.3 million were authenticated through security questions related to the Cash Payout Scheme launched last year.

Meanwhile, the authentication through iAM Smart was disrupted due to the heavy load, but improved later in the day.

“Electronic registration is the fastest way to receive the consumption vouchers," Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in a statement.

Eligible registrants who have completed electronic registration in the coming two weeks will receive the first voucher on 1 August, concurrently after their eligibility is confirmed. The registration will be open until 14 August.

Those who choose to submit paper forms may drop the completed forms, together with a copy of their Hong Kong identity card, into the drop boxes at a total of 560 collection points in different districts, including all post offices and designated branches of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of East Asia, Hang Seng Bank, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), during office hours starting 5 July.

Eligible persons who submit paper forms or complete electronic registrations on or after 18 July will receive the first voucher on 1 September concurrently.

The e-vouchers, worth $5,000, will be disbursed to eligible Hong Kong permanent residents and new arrival, aged 18 or above. The vouchers are intended to boost and stimulate local consumption amidst the pandemic.

It forms part of Finance Secretary Paul Chan's budget statement last February.