Hong Kong residents born in 1968 or 1969 should apply for new smart identity cards between April 1 and June 1

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (March 21) that from April 1 to June 1, 2019, Hong Kong residents born in 1968 or 1969 should apply for a new smart identity card in person at a Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre (SIDCC). The SIDCCs will be open from Mondays to Saturdays, from 8am to 10pm (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 SIDCCs during their specified periods, whether they are permanent residents or non-permanent residents taking up employment, investment, residence or study in Hong Kong. Employers of foreign domestic helpers should also arrange for their helpers to apply for the new identity cards during the latter's specified periods.

     Eligible applicants may make appointment bookings via the Internet (www.gov.hk/newicbooking), the ImmD mobile application or the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2121 1234. The ImmD appeals to applicants to pre-fill the application form when making appointment bookings through the Internet or mobile application in order to enjoy a faster application process. Applicants need to bring along their existing smart identity cards when they proceed to SIDCCs.

     For this replacement exercise, the ImmD is implementing a new caring arrangement under which eligible applicants may bring along up to two family members or friends aged 65 or above to replace their smart identity cards together during the same visit.

     The above call-up period is only for Hong Kong residents born in 1968 or 1969. The ImmD will make announcements on the arrangements for other age groups in due course. For Hong Kong residents born in 1985 or 1986, their specified period for identity card replacement will end on March 30, 2019. Those who have not applied for the new identity card should do so as early as possible in order to avoid a last-minute rush. If eligible Hong Kong residents are absent from Hong Kong during their call-up period, they can apply within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.

     For details of the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise, please visit the website www.smartid.gov.hk or call the enquiry hotline 2824 6111.

Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres
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