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Holders of existing Hong Kong identity cards who were born in 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936 or 1937 are required to apply for a Smart identity card from December 27, 2006, to February 10, 2007, at a Smart Identity Card Centre.
An Immigration Department spokesman said this would be Phase 23 of the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card Replacement Exercise. Permanent residents and temporary residents of the above age group are required to comply with the replacement programme. 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.
Eligible applicants can now book an appointment by calling the hotline 1838 333 or visiting the ESDlife website at www.esd.gov.hk. "Applicants are encouraged to book an appointment in advance so that they can apply for the new identity cards at the chosen time slot," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
If applicants' identity cards bear the "A" residential symbol or "***" symbol, or their identity cards were issued on or after January 1, 1999 and bear the "R" residential symbol, they need only bring their existing identity cards. Other eligible applicants should bring along their travel documents showing their current residential status in Hong Kong in addition to their existing identity cards.
The aged, blind or infirm, who consider that complying with the call-up order will injure their health may apply in writing to the Commissioner of Registration for a Certificate of Exemption. Anyone who is issued with a Certificate of Exemption need not apply for a new identity card under the Replacement Exercise.
The current phase for people born in 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931 or 1932 will end on December 23, 2006. Eligible applicants who have not yet replaced their identity cards should apply as soon as possible in order to avoid a last-minute rush.
Failure to apply for a new identity card within the specified call-up periods without reasonable excuse is an offence. Offenders may be prosecuted and are liable to a fine of $5,000.
For further information about the Replacement Exercise or applications for the Certificate of Exemption, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department hotline, 2824 6111.
Ends/Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 09:24
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