HK$3,000 vouchers to be available from April 16
Hongkongers will be able to get their hands on HK$3,000 in spending vouchers from April 16, the government announced on Friday, with another HK$2,000 available from July 16. The latest voucher scheme was announced in last month's budget speech, with non-permanent residents set to get half the amount, from the same two dates. Financial Secretary Paul Chan said people who received vouchers last year won't have to re-register, and the first instalment of the money will only be available through the same electronic wallet they used last time. If a person's wallet has been rendered invalid since the last vouchers were handed out, for example because an Octopus Card has been lost or returned, registration changes can be made before March 29 via the scheme's website, email or post, or at eight service centres across Hong Kong. Chan said he'd like to see people using the vouchers to enjoy themselves during next month's "Happy Hong Kong" campaign, but even if they spend them on trips outside the city – as some in the travel sector are urging – this could still boost the local economy.  "Over the past three years, in fact, travel agencies have been suffering. By allowing people to use their consumption voucher to give business to the agencies, would be helping them in a way," he said.