The decision, approved by the Executive Council and announced yesterday at a press conference led by the Secretary for Administration and Justice, André Cheong, has sparked criticism, especially among pensioners with ties to Macau but who reside outside of China. Jorge Fão, president of the General Assembly of the Macau Association of Retirees, Pensioners, and Elderly, regrets that the measure does not include those living outside the Greater Bay Area. “I’m sorry that this benefit, which I thought was lifelong, turned out not to be. It could very well be extended to those over 65 years of age, even if they reside abroad, as long as they hold a permanent Macau Resident ID,” he told PLATAFORMA.
Fão acknowledges that the decision follows a broader political orientation: “It’s now clear to us that this measure also aims to support the development of the Greater Bay Area, so we shouldn’t oppose it—lest we be labelled unfaithful! And I believe I’m a patriot!”
Similarly, Amélia António, president of the Casa de Portugal in Macau, disagrees with the measure as it pertains to retirees: “It is unfair discrimination against people who actively contributed to the region’s economic life and, now retired, should be able to choose where they can be best cared for by their family, without any penalty.”
The measure, in place since 2008, was revised following various opinions collected by the Executive and aligns with the legal framework of the Non-Mandatory Central Provident Fund Law. The Executive justifies the change with the need to reinforce the criteria of actual connection to the territory, ensuring that the support is directed at those who truly live in Macau.
“We want to encourage the elderly to spend their retirement in China,” said André Cheong, emphasizing that Macau is “a more Chinese community.”
Despite the introduction of the stay requirement, the regulation provides automatic exceptions for three groups: young people under 22 whose parents are beneficiaries, disability pensioners, and recipients of disability subsidies. The Government also continues to include those who are outside Macau for the following reasons: attending higher education courses; hospitalization; residing in mainland China upon turning 65 years old or, if under 65, for justified health reasons; working outside Macau for an employer registered with the Social Security Fund; working outside Macau while being responsible for the livelihood of family members who reside in Macau; performing official duties; residing in the Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, working there or attending recognized higher or non-higher education courses; working in cities of mainland China that are part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
Those absent for legally provided reasons may submit a request between June 2025 and December 2028. However, permanent residents living outside mainland China, even with decades of ties to Macau, are excluded this year.
