POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION
diplomatic or consular mission for issue to the applicants. During the year, 423 048 applications were received, including 11 390 from overseas.
The HKSAR passport is in a machine-readable format. There are two types: the regular size (32 pages) and the jumbo (48 pages). The passport is normally valid for
10
years for persons 16 years of age or over and five years for children under 16.
The HKSAR Passports Appeal Board was established in September 1998 to handle appeals from persons whose applications for HKSAR passports were refused. From September to December 1998, the board handled 76 appeals.
At the end of 1998, 56 countries had agreed to grant visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders. The HKSAR Government will continue to seek visa-free access for HKSAR passport holders from more countries.
The issuing of Hong Kong Certificates of Identity ceased on July 1, 1997, and most holders may now apply for the HKSAR passport. However, Certificates of Identity have a 10-year validity and are valid travel documents until their expiry. The demand for re-entry permits decreased by 8.5 per cent.
There are two types of identity cards: the Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, issued to persons who have the right of abode in Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Identity Card issued to residents who do not have that right. In 1998, 540 402 identity cards were issued: 293 219 to new arrivals and persons attaining the age of 11 years or 18 years, and 222 192 to people who applied for replacement identity cards due to loss, damage or change of personal particulars.
Marriages
Marriage registration is governed by the Marriage Ordinance. There is no residential requirement for the marrying parties but neither can be under the age of 16 years.
Normally, the Registrar of Marriages must be given at least 15 days' notice for an intended marriage. A marriage can take place in one of the 10 marriage registries, or any of the 224 licensed places of public worship. In 1998, 29 774 marriages were celebrated in the registries and 1 899 at the licensed places of public worship.
A Chinese customary or modern marriage celebrated in Hong Kong before October 7, 1971, may be post-registered in accordance with the Marriage Reform Ordinance. A customary marriage must have been celebrated in accordance with the traditional Chinese laws and customs. A Chinese modern marriage must have been celebrated between parties who were not less than 16 years of age at the time of marriage and were not then married to any other person. During the year, 19 customary and 21 modern marriages were post-registered.
Births and Deaths
Births and deaths registrations are governed by the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance. Parents must register the birth of their child in Hong Kong within 42 days and registration is free of charge at the seven district registries. A mobile registry also provides a service for remote areas and outlying islands.
A fee is charged if the registration is made after 42 days but not later than one year. Beyond 12 months after the birth of the baby, the Registrar of Births and Deaths consent is required for post-registration. During 1998, 111 births were post- registered.
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