Cash handouts ignite divided public opinion

The government has tightened eligibility criteria for cash handouts, requiring recipients to have resided in Macau for at least 183 days in the previous year – a change that has sparked divided public opinion, with some listeners of TDM’s radio program arguing that community groups do not reflect the views of the majority.

Late last week, during the Chinese-language radio program “Optimizing Cash Handouts,” some listeners suggested reducing subsidies to community groups to enhance the effective use of public funds, while others called for stricter eligibility criteria for non-permanent residents of Macau.

Additionally, some supporters of the newly added measure argued that failing to increase the residency requirement of “at least 183 days” could lead to feelings of “psychological imbalance” among those living in Macau, among other issues.

There have been opinions in civil society suggesting that “cash sharing” should be distributed through “consumption vouchers.”

During the program, a listener voiced her opposition to five senior officials from the Social Security Fund (FSS), Financial Services Bureau (DSF), Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), and Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) who were present.

“What is cash sharing? It should be distributed in cash! If the government wants to use public funds more effectively, why not consider reducing subsidies to social organizations?” she remarked.

The member of the public highlighted that a more effective approach to public funding should involve reevaluating these subsidies.

In contrast, one listener supported the authorities’ decision to tighten the eligibility criteria for cash handouts, arguing that certain young people who studied abroad and did not return to work in Macau are “making no contribution” to the city.

He stated: “Some students have enjoyed Macau’s medical and educational benefits for over a decade, completed their studies, and then emigrated. They have made no contribution to Macau. The new requirement that recipients must have been present in Macau for at least 183 days is reasonable.”

The same listener also suggested that the distribution arrangements for non-permanent residents be optimized in the future, such as allowing them to receive cash handouts only after obtaining an ID card for one to two years.

Another listener, who graduated in Beijing last year and whose parents live outside the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area in mainland China, believes that the new eligibility criteria are reasonable, arguing that without such criteria, residents who choose to spend their money in Macau would feel “psychologically unbalanced.”

Following the announcement of new regulations related to the cash handouts, media outlets in Hong Kong sought the opinions of local lawmakers as well as lawmakers from Macau.

Reportedly, about 38,000 people in Hong Kong received cash checks from the Macau government last year.

Lawmaker Ron Lam demanded that the government clarify why individuals who were born and raised in Macau, with families still residing there, and who work in Hong Kong do not qualify for cash handouts.

“The government is acting with great haste, without proper consultation, which results in a crude policy measure and a closed-door approach. This will inevitably raise significant doubts about the governance of the Macau government. The previous consultation with social organizations was merely a token gesture, inviting criticism and sparking unnecessary controversies,” said Lam.

Hong Kong legislator Adrian Ho, who also holds a Macau permanent ID card, suggested that the Macau authorities consider moderately relaxing the eligibility criteria for Macau residents working in Hong Kong and adopt a more lenient approach.

He stated that many Macau residents working in Hong Kong still maintain significant connections and assets in Macau and frequently travel between the two regions, thereby contributing to Macau’s economy.

The Times also sought the views of several permanent Macau residents who have relocated to Australia and Hawaii, as well as a Portuguese national who has been working in Macau for many years and holds a Macau ID card.

Among those interviewed, the former group generally believed that the new regulations are reasonable and will not significantly impact their lives, with one stating that the cash handouts have not greatly assisted her.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese resident in Macau indicated that he views this measure as expected, though not everyone welcomes it.

He added that many Macau residents, including those who have lived overseas for various reasons, appreciate the cash handout scheme, as it allows them to return to Macau at least once a year.

Meanwhile, a couple who retired in the Philippines after working in Macau for over three decades lamented the decision and hoped that retirees living outside the mainland would at least be included in the scheme.

Another Filipino retiree living in North America also told the Times that this was his only reason for returning to Macau every year, except during the pandemic. However, he said, “I left Macau over a decade ago, and the fact that the government still included us in the scheme is already a blessing. It is only fair that people like us, who have left Macau and are not contributing anything to the city right now, would no longer be included.”

“I’d still love to go back and visit. I’ve lived in that city for 30 years before moving to another country. I still miss the food,” he added.

Meanwhile, contrary to an online video claiming that one must stay in Macau for at least eight hours a day to be eligible for cash handouts, the government reminded residents that such information is incorrect.

“At the last press conference, I made it clear that as long as residents spend a certain amount of time in Macau each day, regardless of the duration, they meet the requirement of being in Macau for one day,” he said.