The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     In view of the impact on various sectors and the labour market brought by a new wave of the epidemic, the Financial Secretary announced in the 2022-23 Budget today (February 23) that the application period of the 100% Personal Loan Guarantee Scheme (PLGS) will be extended to end-April 2023. The maximum loan amount per borrower will be increased from six times to nine times the average monthly income during employment, subject to a ceiling of HK$100,000 (originally HK$80,000). In addition, the maximum repayment period under the PLGS will be extended from six years to 10 years, and the principal moratorium arrangement will be extended from 12 months to 18 months. 
      
     HKMC Insurance Limited will follow up on the implementation details with the lending institutions and strive to roll out the above measures in around one and a half months. The effective date and details will be further announced. Before the enhanced measures come into effect, those in need may approach lending institutions to make applications based on the existing terms. 

Ends/Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:35

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