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Holders of existing Hong Kong identity cards who were born in 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931 or 1932 are required to apply for a smart identity card from November 13 to December 23, 2006, at a Smart Identity Card Centre.
An Immigration Department spokesman said this would be Phase 22 of the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card Replacement Exercise. Permanent residents and temporary residents of the above age group were 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, visiting the ESDlife website at www.esd.gov.hk, or by calling at ESD kiosk. "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 children born any year from 1990 to 1992 or 1997 to 2003, and holding existing identity cards will end on November 11, 2006. 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.
The call-up phase for people born in 1927 or before will also end on the same day (November 11). Eligible applicants who have not yet replaced their identity cards should also apply as soon as possible.
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/Monday, October 30, 2006
Issued at HKT 09:00
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