Hongkongers Wake Up HK$3,000 Richer

Many Hongkongers on Sunday woke up to messages on their phones inviting them to help themselves to HK$3,000 from the government, as the first instalment of the latest electronic consumption vouchers was released.

People can collect the money on their Octopus Card, while those using various payment apps should see it appear automatically.

Another HK$2,000 is promised on July 16.

Non-permanent residents in the city for work or study will receive a total of HK$2,500, but very recent arrivals will have to wait longer for the cash and foreign domestic helpers get nothing.

Last year, adult permanent residents received HK$10,000.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on his blog that this year's vouchers will stimulate consumption spending and boost the economy by 0.6 percent.

"A consumption power of around HK$20 billion is instantly injected into the market, which is equivalent to about 60 percent of Hong Kong's retail sales value per month. This will stimulate actual demand for sectors like retail and catering, and bring about more optimism," he said.

Chan marked the occasion by dressing as a waiter and serving siu mai and soy milk to diners at a Sham Shui Po restaurant.