(c)
CONFIDENTIAL
6 ..
The planned introduction of a new Hong Kong
identity card in May 1983 would certainly not
be the occasion for an amnesty for illegal
immigrants. The Hong Kong authorities would
be grateful for any measures that the Guangdong
authorities could take to deny rumours to this
effect.
Introduction of New Hong Kong Identity Card
9. Mr. Bridge gave a brief presentation about the programme
for the introduction of Hong Kong's new Identity Card. Its
introduction would begin in May 1983 and it would be a major weapon in the battle against illegal immigration. It would bear an integral photograph of the holder and incorporates a
new design (rather like a bank note) that should prove very
difficult to forge. The new card would have a limited validity
of about ten years which would allow for the photograph to be
renewed and for extra security measures to be taken to counter
the growing sophistication of forgers. The card's introduction
would be phased over a 4-year period, with the age group
(18-35 years) among which most illegal immigrants were to be
found renewing their identity cards first.
Political Adviser's Office
4 February 1983
SCR 2/1476/82
CONFIDENTIAL