Immigration: FDHs should bring along passport with visa for HKIC upgrade

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Foreign domestic workers should bring along their passport with their working visa when they have their Hong Kong identification card replaced (HKIC), the Immigration Department (ImmD) said.

An ImmD spokesman said domestic workers should bring along their current HKIC and travel document with working visa when they go to the Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre (SIDCC) to have their HKIC replaced.

“They should bring along their existing smart identity cards and travel documents bearing the working visa when they proceed to SIDCCs,” the spokesman said.

He said FDHs born in 1985 or 1986 should apply for a new smart identity card in person at SIDCC by March 30.

“They 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 spokesman said.

“They may pre-fill the application form when making appointment bookings through the Internet or mobile application,” he added.

The spokesman said the territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise started on December 27, 2018 and HKIC holders will have their cards replaced by batches.

“Holders of existing smart HKICs, including foreign domestic helpers and others working/studying/residing in Hong Kong with a visa, will be invited to attend one of the nine newly established SIDCCs in phases, in accordance with their year of birth, to have their HKICs replaced within specified periods,” he said.

“From 21 January to 30 March 2019, it is the specified period for Hong Kong residents born in 1985 or 1986 to replace their HKICs,” he added.

The ImmD is upgrading HKICs to improve their durability, security features, as well as the chip technology and the protection of personal data.

The HKIC will be replaced free of charge but those who fail to have them replaced within the specified period without a valid reason could face a fine of up to $5,000.

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.

The nine SIDCCs include:

Hong Kong Island SIDCC: Room 200, 2/F, Shui On Centre, 6–8 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

East Kowloon SIDCC: Unit 1, 2/F, Manulife Financial Centre and Unit 1B, 3/F, Manulife Financial Centre, Tower A, 223–231 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong

West Kowloon SIDCC: 12/F, Gala Place, 56 Dundas Street, Mong Kok

Tsuen Wan SIDCC: Shop S201, 2/F, Smartland, 50 Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan

Sha Tin SIDCC: Shop G26, G/F & Shop 123, 1/F, Kings Wing Plaza 1, 3 On Kwan Street, Sha Tin

Sheung Shui SIDCC: 7/F, Spot, 48 Lung Sum Avenue, Sheung Shui

Tuen Mun SIDCC: Shop L414B, Level 4, Leung King Plaza, Leung King Estate, 31 Tin King Road, Tuen Mun

Yuen Long SIDCC: Shop 50, G/F, Manhattan Plaza, 23 Sai Ching Street, Yuen Long

Tseung Kwan O SIDCC: Shop 20-26, G/F, Corinthia By The Sea, 23 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, Sai Kung