ENG-2019 — Page 349

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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. During the year, 81,390 applications were approved.

Smart Identity Cards

The smart identity card is highly fraud-resistant. It uses fingerprint recognition technology to authenticate the cardholder's identity and enables self-service immigration clearance via e-Channels.

On 26 November 2018, the department started issuing a new form of smart identity card. It 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 2018. All holders of smart identity cards shall replace their cards by phases at nine Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres, where self-service registration kiosks and collection kiosks are available in addition to manned registration booths and counters to enhance service quality. Residents can make appointments and fill in the form on the internet or through the Immigration Department Mobile Application. The department has introduced two new caring measures in the replacement exercise. The first is that identity card holders who are invited under their age groups may bring along up to two family members or friends aged 65 or above to replace their smart identity cards together during the same visit. Another measure is the On-site Identity Card Replacement Service, an unprecedented outreach service by which the elderly and people with disabilities can have their identity cards replaced at their residential care homes. Both caring measures have won wide public acclaim.

In 2019, the department issued 2,303,135 new smart identity cards.

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 2019, there were 289 declarations of change of nationality, 1,638 applications for naturalisation as Chinese nationals, 207 applications for renunciation of Chinese nationality and two applications for restoration of Chinese nationality.

Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Outside Hong Kong

The department's Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit 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, foreign consulates in Hong Kong, HKSAR Government offices outside Hong Kong and other government departments to provide practical assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress

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