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Old identity (ID) cards issued before June 23, 2003, with year of birth from 1958 to 1969 inclusive will be invalid with effect from October 16, 2006.
A spokesman for the Immigration Department said most residents in this age group had replaced their ID cards during the specified call-up periods. "Eligible applicants who have not yet replaced their ID cards should apply at any of the Smart ID Card Centres immediately," he said.
The invalidation of old ID cards will not affect the holder's right of abode in Hong Kong unless the holder has lost his permanent residency status under the Immigration Ordinance.
Failure to apply for a new ID 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.
"Holders of old ID cards who cannot have their ID 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," the spokesman said.
"The call-up phase for people born in 1927 or before began on September 4 and is making good progress. Staff of the Smart Identity Card Centre will offer assistance to the elderly applicants so that they may finish their application procedures smoothly in a comfortable environment. Family members, relatives, volunteers or staff of social centres for the elderly/residential care homes are encouraged to accompany the elderly to apply for smart ID cards. To save the elderly from travelling, a representative aged 18 or above may be authorised to collect the new ID cards on the elderly person's behalf.
"The aged, blind or infirm, who consider that complying with the call-up order will harm their health, may apply in writing to the Commissioner of Registration for a Certificate of Exemption. Anyone who is issued with a Certificate of Exemption need not apply for a new identity card under the Replacement Exercise," the spokesman said.
If the application for Certificate of Exemption is approved, the old identity card kept by the applicant should be returned to the Immigration Department for disposal.
The Certificate of Exemption cannot be used for immigration clearance. The holder of a Certificate of Exemption should use a valid travel document, for example, a re-entry permit or passport for travelling.
A person who is issued with a Certificate of Exemption can apply for a new smart identity card at any of the Registration of Persons Offices when his health improves. No fee is required.
For further information about the Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department hotline, 2824 6111.
Ends/Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Issued at HKT 09:59
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