TNAG-1268-FCO40-1617-China-s-economic-relationship-with-Hong-Kong-Shenzhen-econom-1983 — Page 184

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CONFIDENTIAL

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The planned introduction of a new Hong Kong

identity card in May 1983 would certainly not

be the occasion for an amnesty for illegal

immigrants. The Hong Kong authorities would

be grateful for any measures that the Guangdong

authorities could take to deny rumours to this

effect.

Introduction of New Hong Kong Identity Card

9. Mr. Bridge gave a brief presentation about the programme

for the introduction of Hong Kong's new Identity Card. Its

introduction would begin in May 1983 and it would be a major weapon in the battle against illegal immigration. It would bear an integral photograph of the holder and incorporates a

new design (rather like a bank note) that should prove very

difficult to forge. The new card would have a limited validity

of about ten years which would allow for the photograph to be

renewed and for extra security measures to be taken to counter

the growing sophistication of forgers. The card's introduction

would be phased over a 4-year period, with the age group

(18-35 years) among which most illegal immigrants were to be

found renewing their identity cards first.

Political Adviser's Office

4 February 1983

SCR 2/1476/82

CONFIDENTIAL