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Five more days to go for people born in 1966 or 1967 to apply for Smart ID cards

5 January 2004

The Immigration Department today (January 5) reminded holders of existing identity cards who were born in 1966 or 1967 to apply for the new Smart ID cards by January 10.

"The application period ends this Saturday. People of the above age groups who have not yet applied for the smart ID cards should submit their applications in person at any one of the Smart ID Card Centres immediately," the spokesman said.

The spokesman stressed that failure to apply for a new ID card within the specified period may constitute an offence. Offenders may be prosecuted and be liable to a fine of $5,000. However, persons who are away from Hong Kong during the specified period should apply for new ID cards within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.

"The Replacement Exercise covers all residents in Hong Kong, whether they are permanent residents or temporary residents taking up employment, investment, residence, study or working as foreign domestic helpers. Employers should allow their helpers to go out to apply for the new ID cards," the spokesman added.

Eligible applicants should submit their applications in person at a Smart ID Card Centre. If their ID cards bear the 'A' or '***' residential symbol, or their ID cards were issued on or after January 1, 1999 and bear the 'R' residential symbol, they need only bring along their present ID cards. Other eligible applicants should bring along their travel documents showing their current residential status in Hong Kong, in addition to their present ID cards.

For further information about the replacement exercise, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or telephone the Immigration Department hotline at 2824 6111.