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The Immigration Department today (March 22) reminded holders of existing identity cards who were born in 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941 or 1942 to apply for smart identity cards under the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card Replacement Exercise by March 31. An Immigration Department 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.
"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," the 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."
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, March 22, 2007
Issued at HKT 09:23
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