ENG-2009 — Page 497

Population and Immigration | 417

The Registrar of Marriages is also responsible for issuing Certificates of Absence of Marriage Records. During the year, 14 204 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 were able to make appointments for birth registration through the internet or a 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, 82 906 live births and 41 034 deaths were registered.

Websites

Security Bureau: www.sb.gov.hk

Immigration Department: www.immd.gov.hk

Census and Statistics Department: www.censtatd.gov.hk