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Population and Immigration
Except those who are required to obtain Certificates of Entitlement, people who are claiming right of abode in the HKSAR must apply to verify their eligibility for a permanent identity card. In 2018, 69,232 applications were approved.
Smart Identity Cards
The smart identity card is highly fraud-resistant, making use of fingerprint recognition technology to authenticate the cardholder's identity and allowing for self-service immigration clearance via e-Channels. In 2018, 579,071 smart identity cards were issued.
On 26 November, the department started to issue a new form of smart identity card. The new card is more durable and features enhanced security features and chip technology that provide better protection of personal data and against counterfeiting. A contactless chip interface on top of the existing contact chip interface enables faster clearance at e-Channels.
The Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise was launched on 27 December. All holders of smart identity cards shall replace their cards by phases at nine replacement centres, where self-service registration kiosks and collection kiosks are available in addition to manned counters. Residents can make appointments and fill in the form on the internet or through the Hong Kong Immigration Mobile Application.
Nationality Matters
The department is authorised by the Central People's Government to handle Chinese nationality applications from Hong Kong residents. Chinese nationals of the HKSAR who want to be treated as foreign nationals in the HKSAR must make a declaration of change of nationality to the department. In 2018, there were 170 declarations of change of nationality, 1,805 applications for naturalisation as Chinese nationals, 188 applications for renunciation of Chinese nationality and four applications for restoration of Chinese nationality.
Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Outside Hong Kong
The Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit under the department works closely with the Security Bureau, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, overseas Chinese diplomatic and consular missions, consulates in Hong Kong, HKSAR Government offices outside Hong Kong and other government departments to provide practical assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong. A 24-hour hotline, (852) 1868, provides emergency assistance to Hong Kong residents in any country or territory. In 2018, the unit handled 3,592 assistance requests.
Marriages
Marriage registration is governed by the Marriage Ordinance. All marriages contracted under the ordinance involve the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. There is no residential or nationality requirement but either party cannot be under the age of 16.
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