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People born in 1960-61 should apply for smart ID cards now

24 May 2004

People born in 1960 or 1961 and who hold existing identity cards must apply for smart ID cards from May 24 to July 24, 2004 under the Hong Kong Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise.

Phase 5 of the Replacement Exercise starts today (May 24). Eligible applicants can book an appointment by calling 1838 333, via the ESDlife website, www.esd.gov.hk, or at any ESD kiosks.

If applicants' ID cards bear the "A" or "***" residential symbol, or were issued on or after January 1, 1999, and bear the "R" residential symbol, they need only bring their ID cards. Other eligible applicants should bring their travel documents showing their residential status in Hong Kong, in addition to their ID cards.

A spokesman for the department said the Replacement Exercise covered all residents in Hong Kong, whether they were 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," he 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 are away from Hong Kong during the specified period should apply within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.

The spokesman said that since the implementation of Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise in September, 2003, arrangements had been made for people born from 1962 to 1969 to apply for new ID cards. Most of the eligible applicants of these age groups had replaced their ID cards during their application periods. For those who have not yet replaced their ID cards due to special reasons, they should apply at any of the Smart ID Card Centres immediately.

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