It was CX CoS08 (Conditions of Service, effective 2008). In short, the housing allowance after just 3 years is what an iCadet will eventually get only when they become Capt (after 15 to even 22 years, as per the AOA published figures). Under CoS08 after approx 5 years the housing will be around $60k HKD, and grows to around $80k+ as seniority & time in company grows. (Someone like DB could give the precise numbers and time scales). The CoS08 housing is factored to CPI so it is "net gain neutral", ie it does not erode.
To quote the exact words told to us when we arrived in the board room for the introductory speech when referring to the housing allowance:
"CX believe we should pay you the housing allowance that we do so you do not suffer a loss of lifestyle by moving to HK to work for us"
Obviously they do not believe that anymore. So, an iCadet housing allowance topping out at $36k NOT factored to CPI vs $80k+ that IS factored to CPI?? Multiply that over a career = a damn insult.
If your goal is to invest in real estate then you will need to have approx. a 30% deposit for a property in HK (part of it can be as low as 10%). I used a 550-600 sq ft apartment to base my calculations on that will cost around $5 million HKD. (Ball park figures used, but relatively accurate). Do the maths based on incomings, outgoings, tax, cost of living, an eroding base salary due part of your HKPLA not factored to CPI, etc.... Again, LONG TERM the deal is a pitfall & and an insult. Your monthly salary & therefore your capacity to save erodes & is not recoverable as per the terms of the contract.
Too many or most wannabes posting here do not consider any of these "details".