Smart ID Card Reminder

Holders of existing Hong Kong identity cards residing in Canada who were born in 1968 or 1969 are reminded that they are to apply for the new Smart ID cards from September 15 to November 15, 2003.

Issuing a reminder, a spokesman for the Hong Kong and Economic Trade Office (Canada) said: “Eligible Hong Kong residents who are in Canada and absent from Hong Kong during the call-up period need not rush back solely for the purpose of applying for the Smart ID cards. They can apply for the new Smart ID cards within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong."

The spokesman clarified rumors that people not holding an existing Hong Kong ID card could apply for a Smart ID card. “There is absolutely no truth to such a rumor. Hong Kong citizens who are residing in Canada should bring along their existing Hong Kong ID cards and supporting proofs showing their period of absence from Hong Kong when they apply for the new ID card."  He also took the opportunity to explain the definition of existing and valid Hong Kong ID cards. “The existing and valid Hong Kong ID cards are those currently in use in Hong Kong which were issued between July 1, 1987 and June 22, 2003," the spokesman said. “Those HKID cards issued before July 1, 1987 are not valid documents that are currently in use in Hong Kong. Holders need to apply for verification of eligibility for the permanent identity card at the Right of Abode Section of the Hong Kong Immigration Department before they proceed to register for the issue of a Hong Kong permanent identity card."

Further information about the verification of eligibility for the Hong Kong permanent identity card is available at the Hong Kong Immigration Department website: www.immd.gov.hk. 

For further information on the Hong Kong ID Card Replacement Exercise, please contact the HKETO at 416-924-5544 or click on the Smart Card pop-up window on HKETO home page at http://www.hketo.ca.

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