The Social Security Fund (FSS) said that it has recently received a report from the public that someone was suspected to have made false statements in order to apply for the enrollment of arbitrary system contributions and retrospective contributions. The case was handed over to the Public Prosecutions Office at the end of May this year. In accordance with the relevant legal provisions, making false statements may constitute a criminal offense.

In October last year, a woman presented to the FSS an application for enrollment in the arbitrary system and retrospective contributions, stating that she had stayed in Macao for at least 183 days during the 12 months preceding the enrollment application, and that she had stayed in Macao for at least 183 days in each year during the period between 2001 and 2010. During the processing period of such application, the FSS received reports by mail from two citizens, stating that the above woman settled in Hong Kong after getting married in 1980 and she rarely returned to Macao since then, so the days she stayed in Macao each year was less than 183 days.

After checking with the relevant departments, it was confirmed that this woman had stayed in Macao for less than 183 days during the 12 months preceding the enrollment application, as well as each year during the period between 2001 and 2010. Since there is an indication that the misrepresentation made in the application documents and declarations is intended to get the eligibilities for the enrollment and contribution in the FSS, so the case was handed over to the Public Prosecutions Office for processing

The FSS said that the formulation of Social Security System is to provide protection to beneficiaries legally enrolled and to maintain the legality of contributions. The FSS will earnestly follow up any suspected cases found. For enquiries and suggestions about the Social Security System, members of the public can call 2853 2850 during office hours, or visit the FSS website at www.fss.gov.mo.