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The Director of Immigration, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, today (December 31) announced the issue of the enhanced Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport with effect from January 1 2003.

Speaking today at the press briefing, Mr Lai said that the Department has constantly carried out reviews on enhancements of the security features and the newly introduced passport with enhanced security features was the product of the advance technology for security printing in the past few years.

"The HKSAR passport has been in circulation for more than five years since it was first issued on July 1 1997. So far, we have issued more than 2.13 million HKSAR passports. There are 124 countries/territories granted visa-free access to HKSAR passport holder," Mr Lai said.

The enhanced version passport will have the same appearance of the existing one. While retaining the original security features of the existing passport, the personal data page of the enhanced version passport will be covered with a much thinner security laminate and added with the following visible security features:

* A logo in the pattern of "HKSAR" printed in optically variable ink is placed across the left edge of the photograph. The colour of the logo will change upon viewing at tilted angle.

* The issuing authority both in Chinese and English "IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION" are also printed in optically variable ink. The colour of the words will change upon viewing at tilted angle.

* Viewed under ultra-violet light, a fluorescent bauhinia with radiating fine lines and letters in the pattern of "HKSAR" will appear on the personal data page.

There will be no changes in the application procedures as well as the fee for the HKSAR passport with enhanced security features.

HKSAR passports of existing version issued will remain valid until their expiry. The passport holders need not have the existing passport replaced in advance.

End/Tuesday, December 31, 2002

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