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Old identity (ID) cards issued before June 23, 2003, with the year of birth from 1970 up to and including 1979 will be invalid from next Monday (September 17).
A spokesman for the Immigration Department said today (September 13) most residents in this age group had replaced their ID cards during the specified call-up periods of the Smart Identity Card Replacement Exercise. "Eligible applicants who have not yet replaced their ID cards should apply immediately at any of the Registration of Persons offices," he said.
"Old identity cards issued before June 23, 2003, and bearing the year of birth from 1958 up to and including 1969 have been invalid since October 16, 2006. Old identity cards bearing the year of birth from 1943 up to and including 1957 have been invalid since January 15, 2007," the spokesman said.
The invalidation of old ID cards will not affect the holders' right of abode in Hong Kong unless the holder has lost 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.
For further information, please visit www.immd.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department hotline, 2824 6111.
Ends/Thursday, September 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:30
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