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On June 23, the Immigration Department introduced a new generation of
identity cards for Hong Kong residents. The new identity card takes the
form of a smart card and employs state-of-the-art technologies to make
it more secure and fraud-resistant. While the personal particulars of
the cardholder are engraved by laser on the card surface, the templates
of his two thumbprints as well as his facial image are stored in the chip
and protected by sophisticated cryptographic techniques. The smart identity
cards enable the Immigration Department to use the fingerprint identification
technology to quickly authenticate the cardholder's identity and make
possible the introduction of an Automated Passenger Clearance System and
Automated Vehicle Clearance System in the near future.
Pursuant to the Registration of Persons (Application
for New Identity Cards) Order made by the Secretary for Security in mid-year,
a territory-wide replacement exercise for the smart identity cards was
launched on August 18. Existing identity card holders are being invited
to have their identity cards replaced within specified periods according
to age groups. The whole exercise is expected to be completed within four
years.
To implement the replacement exercise, nine Smart
Identity Card Centres have been set up at convenient locations on Hong
Kong Island, in East Kowloon, West Kowloon, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun,
Sheung Shui, Yuen Long and Tseung Kwan O. For the convenience of the public,
all centres are open from 8 am to 9.15 pm, Monday to Saturday and closed
on Sunday and public holidays.
A simple and user-friendly appointment system for
submitting applications under the replacement exercise is in place. People
can make bookings round-the-clock through either the Internet under the
Electronic Service Delivery Scheme or the Interactive Voice Response System.
The booking service is well received and about 70 per cent of the applicants
made appointments through the system. |
