The Hong Kong government has processed more than 4,600 squatter household applications for resettlement compensation as part of the Northern Metropolis development, with approximately 55 percent qualifying for resettlement or compensation.
The Development Bureau reported that as of mid-2025, the Lands Department completed reviewing all applications under the improved squatter resettlement arrangement introduced in 2018, which includes both means-tested and non-means-tested options.
In recent projects, about 65 percent of approved applicants chose the non-means-tested resettlement arrangement. Those deemed ineligible included households owning Hong Kong residential properties, existing public rental housing tenants, those failing to meet minimum residence requirements, and residents of unauthorized structures.
The Lands Department has adopted flexible approaches in processing applications, accepting various forms of address proof from both government and private sources. Authorities are disseminating information through multiple channels and issuing letters notifying residents of expected relocation deadlines, with some households qualifying for voluntary early relocation.
The government stated it will review project requirements while attempting to provide relocation flexibility where possible.
