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Children born in any year between 1990 and 1992 or 1997 and 2003, and holding existing Hong Kong identity (ID) cards are required to apply for a new smart ID card in the company of one of their parents or legal guardians from today (July 10) to November 11, 2006, under Phase 20 of the Hong Kong Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise.
A spokesman for the Immigration Department said the requirement did not apply to children who had never applied for Hong Kong ID cards or had already registered for smart ID cards.
Parents or legal guardian of an eligible child can book an appointment for their child by calling 1838 333, visiting the ESDlife website at www.esd.gov.hk, or by calling at any ESD kiosk.
For children born in 1990, 1991 or 1992, they need only bring their existing ID cards if their ID cards bear the "A" residential symbol or "*" symbol, or their ID cards were issued on or after January 1, 1999 and bear the "R" residential symbol. Otherwise, they should bring along their travel documents showing their current residential status in Hong Kong in addition to their existing ID cards.
The accompanying parent or legal guardian of children who were born in any year between 1997 and 2003 and hold an existing Hong Kong Permanent ID card must bring the child's existing ID card. They should also produce the child's proof of identity, such as a recent travel document or a recent school document with certified photo (e.g., student handbook, school record book), and a recent photo (50 x 40 mm full face photo), if the child is not taller than 90 cm.
The accompanying parent or legal guardian is required to produce his/her proof of identity (e.g., HK ID card or travel document). If the child is accompanied by a legal guardian, proof of guardianship is required.
"Since September 2003, arrangements have been in place for residents born in 1943 through to 1985 to apply for new ID cards through the Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise," the spokesman said.
Most of the residents of these age groups have replaced their ID cards during their specified call-up periods. Eligible applicants who have not yet replaced their ID cards should apply at any of the Smart ID Card Centres immediately. Those who are away from Hong Kong during the specified period should apply within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.
For further information about the Replacement Exercise, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department hotline, 2824 6111.
Ends/Monday, July 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 10:23
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