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People born in 1974 or 1975 and who hold existing identity cards must apply for smart ID cards from today (November 14) to December 24, 2005 under the Hong Kong Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise.
Today marks the start of Phase 15 of the Replacement Exercise. Eligible applicants can book an appointment by calling the hotline 1838 333, visiting the ESDlife website at www.esd.gov.hk, or by calling 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.
Failure to apply for a new ID card within the specified period without reasonable excuse is an offence. Offenders may be prosecuted and face 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 1943 to 1973 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, had not yet replaced their ID cards, should apply at any of the Smart ID Card Centres immediately.
For further information about the Replacement Exercise, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or call the Immigration Department hotline, 28246111.
Ends/Monday, November 14, 2005
Issued at HKT 11:20
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