POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION
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diplomatic or consular missions overseas. During the year, 365 655 applications were received, including 3 860 from overseas.
The HKSAR Passports Appeal Board was established on September 7, 1998, to handle appeals against refusal of applications for HKSAR passports. It received 104 appeals during 2000.
By the end of the year, 73 countries/territories have accorded visa-free facilities to HKSAR passport holders. In this connection, the Justice and Home Affairs Council European Union has approved a draft Council Regulation exempting HKSAR passport holders, among others, from requiring visas. In the interest of trade and tourism, the Government will continue to lobby other countries for the most favourable travel arrangements for HKSAR residents.
In order to enhance co-operation with foreign countries on combating illegal immigration and facilitate requests for visa-free access to foreign countries/territories, the Government negotiates and concludes agreements concerning readmission of persons. In November, it signed a readmission agreement with Federal Republic of Germany. This provides on a reciprocal basis for the readmission by one party of certain persons coming from the territory of the other party. By the end of 2000, the Government had concluded a total of three readmission agreements with foreign countries.
Other travel documents issued by the Immigration Department include Documents of Identity for Visa Purposes (DIs) and Re-entry Permits (REPs). DIs are used for international travel and are valid for seven years. They are issued to Hong Kong residents not eligible for the HKSAR passport but are nevertheless unable to obtain a national passport or travel document of another country. REPs are issued to Hong Kong residents for travelling to the Mainland and the Macau SAR. During the year, 40 845 DIs and 112 753 REPS were issued.
The Immigration Department also issues identity cards to Hong Kong residents. 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. During the year, 547 973 identity cards were issued: including 302 576 to new arrivals and persons attaining the age of 11 or 18 years, and 215 803 to people who applied for replacement identity cards due to loss, damage or change of personal particulars.
Subject to the provision of the necessary funds by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council and the necessary legislative amendments, the Government intends to introduce a new generation of identity cards for Hong Kong residents and a new supporting computer system in early 2003. The new identity card will take the form of a smart card, which will be more secure and have the capacity to support multiple applications. The project will enhance the operational efficiency of the Immigration Department, by laying down the foundation for an automated passenger clearance system. It will also enable the Government to capitalise on the development of smart card technology for providing more efficient and better quality services to the community.
Marriages
Marriage registration in Hong Kong is governed by the Marriage Ordinance. All marriages contracted under the ordinance involve the voluntary union for life of one