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The Immigration Department today (February 1) reminded holders of existing identity cards who were born in 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936 or 1937 to apply for smart identity cards under the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card Replacement Exercise by February 10.
An immigration spokesman said eligible applicants should submit their applications in person at a Smart Identity Card Centre. To avoid a last-minute rush, they are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible.
"Response from applicants has been very good since we started to accept advance bookings for an appointment to apply for the smart identity card at the preferred time slot for the current call-up phase," the spokesman said.
Time slots are still available at some Smart Identity Card Centres, such as Tseung Kwan O, Sheung Shui, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long. Applicants may consider booking their appointments at these centres. Advance bookings can be made by calling the 24-hour service hotline 1838 333 or visiting the ESDlife website at www.esd.gov.hk. However, all the time slots for advance bookings for the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card Centre, East Kowloon Smart Identity Card Centre, Sha Tin Smart Identity Card Centre, Tsuen Wan Smart Identity Card Centre and West Kowloon Smart Identity Card Centre are full until the end of the phase (February 10).
"To provide service to applicants who have not made any advance booking, we have set aside some time slots at each centre to cater for "walk-in" applications. However, these time slots are limited and we would like to encourage the applicants to make use of our advance booking system as far as possible," the spokesman said.
Applicants were reminded to attend the Smart Identity Card Centres punctually at the reserved time slot. If an applicant is unable to attend at the chosen time slot, he should change or cancel the appointment as early as possible, so that the reserved time slot can be released for use by other applicants. Change or cancellation of appointment can only be accepted at least one working day before the chosen time slot.
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 only bring their existing identity cards. Other eligible applicants should bring 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 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."
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. 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/Thursday, February 1, 2007
Issued at HKT 09:40
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