Population and Immigration | 411
nationality requirement for marrying parties but neither of them can be under the age of 16.
The Registrar of Marriages should be given at least 15 days' notice of an intended marriage, which must then take place within three months of the notice. Other than solemnising the marriages at one of the five marriage registries or any of the 261 licensed places of public worship, couples may engage a civil celebrant to celebrate their marriages at any place in Hong Kong. In 2008, 25 965 marriages were celebrated in marriage registries, 2 792 in licensed places of public worship, and 18 508 by civil celebrants.
An appointment to give notice of intended marriage to the Registrar of Marriages can be made through the Internet or telephone booking system.
The Registrar of Marriages is also responsible for issuing Certificates of Absence of Marriage Records. During the year, 11 978 such certificates were issued.
Births and Deaths
Birth and death registrations in Hong Kong are governed by the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance. Parents must register the birth of their children in Hong Kong with the Registrar of Births and Deaths within 42 days of the birth. Registration is free of charge during the period. A fee is charged if the birth is registered after 42 days. Registration later than 12 months after birth requires the registrar's consent.
There are four district birth registries providing birth registration service. Since November 3, 2008, parents of newborn babies can make appointments for birth registration through the Internet/telephone booking system.
Deaths from natural causes should be registered by relatives within 24 hours. Hong Kong has three death registries providing free service. Death may also be registered at one of the 15 designated police stations in the New Territories and outlying islands.
During the year, 78 752 live births and 41 530 deaths were registered.
Websites
Security Bureau: www.sb.gov.hk
Immigration Department: www.immd.gov.hk
Census and Statistics Department: www.censtatd.gov.hk