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Children born in any year between 1990 and 1992 or 1997 and 2003, and holding existing Hong Kong identity (ID) cards are required to apply for a new Smart ID card in the company of either one of their parents or legal guardians at a Smart ID Card Centre from July 10 to November 11, 2006.
An Immigration Department spokesman said this would be Phase 20 of the Hong Kong Smart ID Card Replacement Exercise. Permanent residents and temporary residents of the above age groups are required to comply with the replacement programme. Those who are away from Hong Kong during the specified period should apply within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.
"However, a child who has never applied for a Hong Kong ID card or has already registered for a smart ID card is not required to replace his ID card," the spokesman added.
Parents or legal guardians of eligible children are encouraged to book an appointment in advance such that the children can apply for the new ID cards at the chosen time slot. Booking of appointment can be made by telephone at 1838 333, via the ESDlife website at www.esd.gov.hk, or at any ESD kiosk.
For children born in 1990, 1991 or 1992, they need only bring their existing ID cards if their ID cards bear the "A" or "*" symbol, or their ID cards were issued on or after January 1, 1999, and bear the "R" residential symbol. Otherwise, they should bring their travel documents showing their current residential status in Hong Kong in addition to their existing ID cards.
For children born in any year between 1997 and 2003, as well as the existing Hong Kong Permanent ID card, the accompanying parent or legal guardian should also produce the child's proof of identity, such as a recent travel document or a recent school document with certified photo (e.g. student handbook, school record book), and a recent photo (50 x 40 mm full face photo), if the child is not taller than 90 cm.
The accompanying parent or legal guardian is required to produce his/her proof of identity (e.g. HK ID card or travel document). If the child is accompanied by a legal guardian, proof of guardianship is also required.
The current phase for people born in 1983, 1984 or 1985 will end on July 8, 2006. Eligible applicants who have not yet replaced their ID cards should apply as soon as possible in order to avoid a last-minute rush.
For further information about the Replacement Exercise, please visit www.smartid.gov.hk or call at 2824 6111.
Ends/Monday, June 26, 2006
Issued at HKT 10:21
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