According to the Macau Daily News, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng stated that after considering comprehensive social opinions, the government believes that the original property investment residence policy has completed its phased tasks. The policy address to be published in mid-month will propose the initiation of a research plan within this year on how to attract the talent that Macau truly needs and significant investments beneficial to Macau, as well as to study the overall population and immigration policies of Macau.
During an interview with reporters at the Guangdong Province 2010 New Year reception, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng mentioned that over the past period, especially after the inauguration of the third government, he has heard many opinions regarding the property investment residence policy. In the past, purchasing real estate in Macau for no less than one million patacas without any burdens, and having no less than five hundred thousand patacas in the bank as a burden-free fixed deposit, along with possessing a higher diploma or an equivalent qualification, allowed individuals to apply for property investment residence. The property investment residence policy has accompanied Macau's growth and progress at different stages.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng stated that Macau has now entered a new development stage, and the immigration policy of purchasing real estate worth over one million patacas, having five hundred thousand patacas in bank fixed deposits, and possessing a higher diploma or an equivalent qualification has completed its phased tasks. The policy address to be published in mid-month will propose the initiation of research on the overall population and immigration policies of Macau within this year.
Ho Iat Seng believes that at each stage of development, society has different needs. An individual's education, experience, wealth, and abilities can drive and stimulate the economy, increase consumption, promote employment, and increase tax revenue. Therefore, it is difficult to simply state that the property immigration policy is incorrect or should be permanently terminated; it should be considered from the comprehensive factors of the overall population and investment immigration policies. It is currently difficult to conclude whether the property investment residence policy will be permanently terminated.
He believes it is appropriate to initiate relevant research this year, focusing on how to attract the talent that Macau truly needs and significant investments beneficial to Macau, and to conduct research on the overall population and immigration policies of Macau. He hopes to gather opinions from the general public through scientific consultation, reference different countries and regions' immigration policies, and formulate talent and investment immigration policies that are suitable for Macau.
He reiterated that the government will do its utmost to complete the "19,000 Public Housing Plan," sincerely caring for the general public, especially in addressing the housing issues of individuals with limited economic capacity. Whether in housing policy or immigration policy, solutions will be implemented step by step in phases.
A delegation from the Labor Union recently visited the government headquarters to meet with Ho Iat Seng to express their opinions on the future policy address, during which they discussed Macau's land policy and future immigration policies. Chairman Chan Kam Ming quoted Ho Iat Seng as saying that the property immigration policy is outdated, and the Labor Union urged the authorities to review the real estate development policy and to permanently terminate the property residence policy, allowing housing prices to adjust reasonably under normal supply and demand conditions.
