As the government has announced that it will be rolling out new smart ID cards for Hong Kong residents as early as last year, officials are now reminding everyone, including foreign domestic workers, to avail or to have their ID cards replaced based on the schedule released by authorities.
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Having a smart ID card entitles foreign residents the right of abode in the country, as authorized by the Immigration department, along with other social benefits such as access to public establishments and free health care.
New Smart ID Card for those Born in 1968 or 1969 Now In Progress
In an announcement shared by the Immigration Department (ImmD), those who were born in 1968 or 1969 may now file applications for the replacement of their Hong Kong ID cards, as shared in a report by the Sun HK.
For this group, applications will be accepted anytime between April 1 and June 1, 2019, at any Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre (SIDCC).
SIDCCs are open from Mondays to Saturdays, from 8 am to 10 pm (except on public holidays).
The territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise covers all Hong Kong residents, who have yet to apply for or replace their old identity cards in person at SIDCCs during their designated schedule, whether they are permanent residents (PRs) or non-PRs currently employed, doing business, or staying in the country for other reasons such as education, among others.
Furthermore, employers of foreign domestic workers are expected to arrange their helper’s application for the new identity cards on the specified periods designated by the government for this group.
Eligible applicants will have to make an appointment first online through the government’s dedicated page for the initiative or via the ImmD mobile app, or the 24-hoour telephone booking hotline 2121 1234.
Also, for this initiative, the ImmD has allowed eligible applicants above the age of 65 to bring along up to two family members or friends who would assist them during their visit at SIDCCs.
The aforementioned set-up only applies to Hong Kong residents who were born in 1968 or 1969. Take note that the ImmD will make further announcements on the arrangements for other groups as the initiative progresses.
Meanwhile, those who are unable to participate in this scheme because of their absence in the country during their call-up period may apply within 30 days upon their return in the country.
To know more about the details of the Smart Hong Kong Identity Card Replacement Exercise, you may visit their official website.