The government of Hong Kong has announced that, following the conclusion of the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise (Replacement Exercise) on March 3, 2023, the old form of smart identity cards issued before November 26, 2018, (old ID cards), will be invalidated in two phases in 2025.
Note:“Old identity cards” refers to smart identity cards issued between 23 June 2003 and 25 November 2018, or issued on or after 26 November 2018 as a result of an application made before that date.
What to Expect
- Phase I of the invalidation exercise will cover holders of old ID cards born in 1970 or after, whose old cards will become invalid on May 12, 2025.
- Phase II of the invalidation exercise will cover holders of old ID cards born in 1969 or before, whose old cards will become invalid on October 12, 2025.
- If the old ID cards have not been replaced, they will be invalidated on the specified dates in accordance with the Invalidation Order.
The Invalidation Order covers all Hong Kong residents, whether they are permanent residents or non-permanent residents who are permitted to take up employment, make investments, reside or study in Hong Kong, or residents of residential care homes who are eligible for the On-site Identity Card Replacement Service.
Card Replacements
- According to the Immigration Department (ImmD), residents still holding old ID cards should make appointments for replacement as soon as possible. The aged, the blind or the infirm who satisfy a registration officer that their personal attendance for registration of Hong Kong ID cards will injure their health or the health of others may, instead of applying for replacement of a new ID card, apply for a Certificate of Exemption.
- Those who are unable to have their ID cards replaced during the specified call-up periods due to absence from Hong Kong should replace their ID cards within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.
- Failure to apply for a new ID card within the specified call-up periods without a reasonable excuse is an offence. Offenders may be prosecuted and be liable to a fine of HKD 5000 upon conviction.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
The invalidation of old ID cards will not affect the right of abode in Hong Kong of the holders of old ID cards unless he or she has lost permanent resident status under the Immigration Ordinance. Members of the public can apply for replacement of new ID cards at the Registration of Persons (ROP) – Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office or during the extended service hours at the four designated ROP offices, viz. Hong Kong Office, Kowloon Office, Tseung Kwan O Office or Tuen Mun Office. Members of the public may use the ImmD mobile application, visit the website (www.gov.hk/icbooking) or call the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2598 0888 to make an appointment for ID card application at any aforementioned ROP offices.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.