IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the reminder? The Hong Kong Immigration Department is reminding residents born in 1985 or 1986 that the application period for obtaining new Smart ID Cards ends March 30.

What does it mean? Applicants born in 1985 or 1986 must apply in person at a Smart ID Card Replacement Centre and may book an appointment online, by phone or by mobile app.

  • Implementation time frame: Now through March 30.
  • Affected documents: Smart ID Cards.
  • Business impact: Hong Kong residents are required to replace their existing Smart ID cards with the new version.
  • Next steps: Applicants are encouraged to fill out the registration form before booking an appointment to streamline their registration process. Appointments are available Monday through Saturdays (except public holidays), 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Background: In October, the Hong Kong government announced a four-year plan to replace all Smart ID cards. The application periods are being introduced in phases, corresponding to cardholders’ year of birth.

Category

Replacement application period
Members of the Immigration Service, police officers, labor inspectors

Dec. 27, 2018 – March 30, 2019
Holders of existing Hong Kong ID cards who were born in 1985 or 1986

Jan. 21, 2019 – March 30, 2019
Holders of existing Hong Kong ID cards who were born in 1968 or 1969

 April 1, 2019 – June 1, 2019

Analysis & Comments:  Applicants born in 1985 and 1986 are now eligible to apply and are encouraged to do so as early as possible to avoid the last-minute rush before the March 30 deadline. Residents who are abroad during their eligible replacement period will have 30 days after they return to Hong Kong to apply for replacement of their cards.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.