**********************************************************
Elderly people born in 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931 or 1932 and who hold existing identity cards must apply for smart ID cards from November 13 to December 23, 2006, under the Hong Kong Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise.
Today (November 13) marks the start of Phase 22 of the Replacement Exercise. Permanent residents and temporary residents of the above age groups are required to comply with the replacement programme.
"Eligible applicants can book an appointment in advance by calling the hotline 1838 333 or visiting the ESDlife website at www.esd.gov.hk. Relatives or friends of the elderly are encouraged to accompany them for the application," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
"To save the elderly from travelling, they can authorise a representative aged 18 or above to collect the new identity card on their behalf," the spokesman said.
If the 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 bring only 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. Any person who is issued with a Certificate of Exemption need not apply for a new identity card under the Replacement Exercise," the spokesman said.
Failure to apply for a new ID card within the specified period without reasonable excuse is an offence. Offenders may be prosecuted and could be liable to a fine of $5,000. However, those who cannot have their identity cards replaced during the specified call-up periods due to their absence from Hong Kong, they should apply within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.
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, November 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:45
NNNN
