The Government today announced the launch of the Temporary Unemployment Relief Scheme which will provide a one-off subsidy of $10,000 to people who have lost their jobs due to the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Launched under the sixth round of the Anti-epidemic Fund, the scheme aims to assist the jobless in reducing their financial stress before they get another job.

Full-time and part-time employees as well as self-employed people may apply for the subsidy.

Applicants should hold a valid Hong Kong identity card, ordinarily reside in Hong Kong from October 1 last year and have reached the age of 18 on or before that day.

They should also fulfil other criteria, including having worked in Hong Kong for at least one month during the period from October 1 to December 31 last year with the total monthly salary generally between $2,700 and $30,000, and being unemployed for at least 30 consecutive days before the date of submitting an application.

In addition to unemployed people, the scheme also covers employees of scheduled premises and catering businesses who have been requested not to work temporarily by their employers given that the operations of those premises have either been suspended or restricted under the tightened social distancing measures.

Those who are receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or have benefited under the fund's specified relief measures are not eligible for the scheme.

Applications will open on March 23 and close on April 12.

Eligible people may submit their applications through the scheme's website or visit the five designated service centres for assistance.

The Policy Innovation & Co-ordination Office reminded applicants that they must provide true, complete and accurate information in their applications or they may be liable to prosecution.

Enquiries can be made by email or through the hotline at 183 6128.