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This guide, in the form of simple questions and answers, provides a brief description of the legislative proposals relating to permanent identity, ds and the right of abode in Hong Kong. It is not a full statement of the posed legislation. For fuller information please refer to the Immigration (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1987 and the Registration of Persons (Amendment) Bill 1987 published in the Government Gazette on 3 April 1987.
The Bills referred to in this guide are subject to approval by the Legislative Council.
If you need further information on the proposed legislation, you may address your enquiries to:
The Secretary for Security, Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road, Central
OR
The Director of Immigration, Immigration Department,
61 Mody Road, Kowloon.
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What is a permanent identity card?
:
A permanent identity card is an identity card which states that its holder has the right of abode in Hong Kong.
2.
Why is it necessary to introduce a permanent identity card?
It is necessary to introduce a permanent identity card to enable a right of abode endorsement to be included in British National (Overseas) passports and Certificates of Identity to be issued from 1 July 1987. These identity cards will continue to be used after 30 June 1997 until such time as they are replaced by identity cards issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The right of abode endorsement is of vital importance to the acceptability of the British National (Overseas) passport and the Certificate of Identity for the purpose of international travel up to and beyond 1997. The wording of the endorsement is as follows:
"The holder of this passport (or Certificate of Identity) has Hong Kong permanent identity card number (XYZ) which states that the holder has the right of abode in Hong Kong."
3.
Who will get a permanent identity card?
Persons who have the right of abode in Hong Kong will be issued with a permanent identity card.
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