Nine newly established Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres in Hong Kong commenced operation on 27 December.The Immigration Department (ImmD) began the first phase of the territory-wide identity card replacement exercise, which is from today to March 30 next year, by first replacing the smart Hong Kong identity cards (HKICs) of members of the Immigration Service, police officers and labour inspectors, allowing them to get familiar with the features of new smart HKICs for fighting against illegal immigration and illegal employment. Also, the Chief Executive, members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, and Principal Officials have an option to replace their existing smart HKICs at this phase so as to promote the new smart HKICs. During the second phase, which is from January 21 to March 30 next year, ImmD will arrange Hong Kong residents who were born in 1985 or 1986 to replace their existing smart HKICs. Afterwards, during the third phase, which is from April 1 to June 1 next year, Hong Kong residents who were born in 1968 or 1969 will be arranged to replace their smart HKICs. ImmD will announce the replacement exercise timetable for other age groups in due course.
New smart ID cards launched in HK
