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People intending to travel abroad during the Christmas holidays are reminded to apply for travel documents as early as possible.
An Immigration Department spokesman said the number of people travelling abroad would increase at that time of the year. "To avoid a last-minute rush, people are advised to apply for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports well in advance of their trips." he said.
Under existing arrangements, application for HKSAR passport can be submitted to the Immigration Department by post or placed in the drop-in boxes provided at Immigration headquarters and all Immigration branch offices. Applicants who wish to submit applications for HKSAR passports in person at Immigration branch offices are encouraged to book an appointment by visiting the website www.esd.gov.hk or calling the 24-hour hotline, 2598 0888.
Immigration Department will normally complete the processing of a HKSAR passport application in 10 working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and General Holidays) provided that all necessary documents, fee and photograph are received. For applications submitted by post or via drop-in box, an extra three to four days are required for handling formalities.
HKSAR passport application forms and information leaflets on application procedures and documents required are available at Immigration Headquarters and all Immigration branch offices. For enquiries, please visit the website, www.immd.gov.hk, or call the Immigration Department on 2824 6111; fax 2877 7711.
Applications for identity cards and other Registration of Persons services may also be in high demand at this time of the year. To avoid congestion, applicants are requested to submit their applications well before school or public holidays.
Applicants who wish to apply for identity cards are encouraged to book an appointment by visiting the website, www.esd.gov.hk, or calling the 24-hour hotline, 2598 0888.
Ends/Sunday, November 4, 2007
Issued at HKT 10:00
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