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People born in 1952 or 1953 and who hold existing identity cards must apply for smart ID cards from January 24 to March 12, 2005 under the Hong Kong Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise.

Phase 9 of the Replacement Exercise starts today (January 24). Eligible applicants can book an appointment by calling the hotline 1838 333, or visiting the ESDlife website www.esd.gov.hk, or at any ESD kiosk.

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

A spokesman for the Immigration Department said the Replacement Exercise covered all Hong Kong residents, whether they were permanent residents or temporary residents taking up employment, investment, residence, study or work 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 could be prosecuted and 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.

"People born in 1954 to 1969 have been able to apply for new ID cards since September 2003 through the Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise," the spokesman said. Most of the eligible applicants of these age groups had replaced their ID cards during their application periods. Those who, for special reasons, have not yet replaced their ID cards, should apply at any of the Smart ID Card Centres immediately.

The spokesman also reminded cross-boundary drivers, including private car drivers, that since September 27, 2004, an option had been provided for them to apply for new ID cards at any of the Smart ID Card Centres before the periods specified for their age groups on production of proof that they were cross-boundary drivers.

For further information about the Replacement Exercise and the required documentary proof for the cross-boundary drivers, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department hotline, 2824 6111.

Ends/Monday, January 24, 2005

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