Leaving Hong Kong/Early Retirement

I have been working in HK for eight years, have permanent residency but because of ill health, have made the decision to resign from my job and go back to Australia. I cannot go until the end of the year because I have acquired a pet during my stay here and because of quarantine requirements, I cannot ship her out till the end of the year. Besides, I'm not going home without her and my lease doesn't run out until December anyway. I'm 60 and have opted for early retirement and will use my accumulated benefits to live on until I leave, though I haven't as yet applied for early retirement.


My former boss has offered me some work but not enough to live on without drawing my MPF in the meantime. What I want to know is if I retire and collect the benefit and I am able to manage casual work, would I be in breach of the terms of the MPF scheme having opted for early retirement?


I don't seem to be able to get a clear answer from anyone and would be grateful for advice.

Thank you, Beancurd. I've since obtained some advice. If I opt to leave and collect my MPF, I've been told I have to leave within a reasonable amount of time, e.g. two to three months. Since I can't go for four to five months, I may be in breach of the MPF scheme's terms and am liable to be fined - though I was told that an allowance can be made in special circumstances.


I suppose I was considering my options vis-a-vis if my health improves in the meantime and I'm able to take on some casual work whether I would be able to do that and still opt for early retirement. I guess not. :(


You've been very helpful. Thanks.