XCC (89) 22
(a)
their
(b)
pensions
Page
2
are being artificially depressed and they are being unfairly discriminated against; and
their
success
contributions past
and
to Hong Kong's economic growth give them a legitimate expectation of special assistance.
on
Reports have also been received that those small pensions, including widows, have suffered more serious hardship; and some have turned to social security.
5
measures
While a
It is difficult to quantify the extent of the actual hardship being suffered. The expectations of individuals and their personal lifestyles do not follow any fixed pattern and both factors have an important bearing on the issue. number of specific request s for the introduction of currency have been received, they do not, in protection themselves, necessarily signify that genuine hardship exists. On the other hand, it appears that small number of officers in the UK may be facing serious financial problems mainly because of the level of their pensions, although the effect of the value of the HK dollar on their pension payment s could further exacerbate the problem. Their specific problem (which is
in others
domicile) is
common of
to their
small addressed
receipt of
not
retired
pensions in this
irrespective memorandum. As evidence of genuine hardship
genuine hardship cases has yet to
relief will established, the subject of a separate examination (see paragraph 35 below).
be
Current Policy
6
The
and
Price
need
for special
policy
is
The
form the
were
in HK
On 1 December 1988 about 34,000 pensions were being
Government's paid.
to pay pensions dollars,
in order to maint ain the original purchasing in line with movements in power, to make periodic adjustments
Consumer the
believes Index (A).
Administration that, in the longer term, the maintenance of the HK/US dollar in the interests of link makes for stability which is clearly in the the community as a whole. Nevertheless, the resultant problem for about 2,300 overseas pensioners residing outside Hong Kong [mainly in Australia (270), Canada (100)
(100), India and Pakistan needs to be (330), New Zealand (60), UK (1,500), USA (70)]
>
addressed to determine whether special measures are justified.
Basis for Consideration
Distinction between Overseas and
Local Pensioners Based on Country of Domicile
7
For
exercise, this
it is
accepted
that Overseas
officers normally retire to their country of domicile, that is their country of origin for leave and passage purposes prior to retirement.
The
converse
is
retire and live in Hong Kong.
that
officers local
normally