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The Immigration Department today (November 6) reminded holders of existing identity cards who were born in 1927 or before to apply for smart identity cards under the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card Replacement Exercise by Saturday (November 11).
An Immigration Department spokesman said they should submit their applications in person at a Smart Identity Card Centre.
"The aged, blind or infirm who consider that compliance with the call-up order will harm their health may apply in writing to the Commissioner of Registration for a Certificate of Exemption," the spokesman said. "Those issued with a Certificate of Exemption need not apply for a new identity card under the replacement exercise.".
The current phase for children born from 1990 to 1992 or 1997 to 2003, and holding existing identity cards will also end on the same day (November 11). To avoid a last-minute rush, parents or legal guardians of children of the above age groups should apply for smart identity cards for their children as soon as possible. However, children who have never applied for Hong Kong identity cards or have already registered for smart identity cards are not required to replace their identity cards.
People born in 1927 or before and children born in 1990, 1991 or 1992 need only bring their existing identity cards if their identity cards bear the "A" residential symbol or "***"/ "*" symbol, or if their identity cards were issued on or after January 1, 1999, and bear the "R" residential symbol. Otherwise, they should bring their travel documents showing their current residential status in Hong Kong in addition to their existing identity cards. Children born in 1990, 1991 or 1992 should be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians when they submit their applications.
The accompanying parent or legal guardian of children born from 1997 to 2003 should 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) as well as the child's existing Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card.
The accompanying parent or legal guardian is also required to produce his/her proof of identity. If the child is accompanied by a legal guardian, proof of guardianship is also required.
The spokesman added that failure to apply for a new identity card within the specified call-up periods without reasonable excuse was an offence. Offenders may be prosecuted and are liable to a fine of $5,000. Those who cannot have their identity cards replaced during the specified call-up periods due to their absence from Hong Kong should apply within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.
For further information about the Replacement Exercise or how to apply for a Certificate of Exemption, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department hotline 2824 6111.
Ends/Monday, November 6, 2006
Issued at HKT 09:02
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