Hong Kong residents born in 1977, 1978 or 1979 should apply for new smart identity cards between September 20 and November 18, 2021
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     The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (August 27) that Hong Kong residents born in 1977, 1978 or 1979 and holding the old form of smart identity card should bring along their old form of smart identity card and apply for new smart identity cards in person at a Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre (SIDCC) (see Annex I) from September 20 (Monday) to November 18, 2021 (Thursday). The SIDCCs are open from 8am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday (except public holidays).

     The Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise covers all Hong Kong residents, who should apply for new smart identity cards in person at the SIDCCs during specified periods, whether they are permanent residents or non-permanent residents taking up employment, investment, residence or study in Hong Kong. Eligible Hong Kong residents who are absent from Hong Kong during their call-up period can apply within 30 days upon their return to Hong Kong.
 
     To avoid the gathering of crowds, the ImmD appeals to applicants to make appointment bookings via the ImmD mobile application, the Internet (www.gov.hk/newicbooking), or the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2121 1234. To download the mobile application or to make an appointment booking via the Internet, please scan the QR codes (see Annex II). The ImmD also appeals to applicants to pre-fill the application form when making appointment bookings through the mobile application or the Internet in order to enjoy faster identity card replacement service.  

     For this Replacement Exercise, the ImmD is also implementing a caring arrangement under which each eligible applicant for identity card replacement may bring along up to two family members or friends aged 65 or above and two persons with disabilities to replace their identity cards together during the same visit to an SIDCC.

     For children born in 2005 to 2007 or 2012 to 2018 and holding the old form of smart identity card, their specified period for identity card replacement will end on September 18, 2021 (Saturday). Those who have not yet applied for a new smart identity card should do so in the company of either one of their parents or legal guardians at an SIDCC as early as possible. For details of the replacement arrangements for children holding the old form of smart identity card, please refer to Annex III. Please note that children born between 2012 and 2018 who have never held a permanent identity card in connection with their applications for a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport, or are already holding a new smart identity card, are not required to participate in the Replacement Exercise.

     For details of the Replacement Exercise, please visit the website www.smartid.gov.hk or call the ImmD's enquiry hotline at 2824 6111.

Ends/Friday, August 27, 2021
Issued at HKT 12:15

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