93-626: The Hong Kong identity card (officially HKIC , commonly HKID ) is an official identity document issued by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong. According to the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap. 177), all residents of age 11 or above who are living in Hong Kong for longer than 180 days must, within 30 days of either reaching the age of 11 or arriving in Hong Kong, register for an HKID. HKIDs contain amongst others
186-545: A qualification (without proving identity). For example, all taxicab drivers in the UK carry ID cards. Managers, supervisors, and operatives in construction in the UK can get a photographic ID card, the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, indicating training and skills including safety training. The card is not an identity card or a legal requirement, but enables holders to prove competence without having to provide all
279-510: A special administrative region of China , Hong Kong does not have its own nationality law and natural-born residents are generally Chinese citizens. Prior to 1997, the territory was a colony of the United Kingdom and right of abode was tied to British nationality law . Although Hong Kong, mainland China , and Macau constitute a single country, local residents with Chinese citizenship do not have automatic residence rights in either of
372-593: A Chinese name is automatically left blank by the Immigration Department. It is possible, however, to add a name in Chinese characters at any time through application to the Immigration Department. Where a non-ethnic Chinese person applies to add a name in Chinese characters after first registration, this is considered by the Immigration Department as a name change. The Hong Kong permanent identity card by itself can be used to travel to Macau , as long as
465-548: A KTP (Kartu Tanda Penduduk) identity card. The card will identify whether the holder is an Indonesian citizen or foreign national . In 2011, the Indonesian government started a two-year ID issuance campaign that utilizes smartcard technology and biometric duplication of fingerprint and iris recognition . This card, called the Electronic KTP (e-KTP), will replace the conventional ID card beginning in 2013. By 2013, it
558-791: A central Biometric Database, which is used by the Bangladesh Election Commission to oversee the electoral procedure in Bangladesh. All Bangladeshis are issued with an NID Card which can be used to obtain a passport, Driving Licence, credit card, and to register land ownership. The Bhutanese national identity card (called the Buthanese Citizenship card) is an electronic ID card, compulsory for all Bhutanese nationals and costs 100 Bhutanese ngultrum. The People's Republic of China requires each of its citizens aged 16 and over to carry an identity card. The card
651-510: A continuous period of at least seven years. Ordinarily resident in this context excludes certain classes of people, including central government officials, foreign domestic helpers , and incarcerated individuals. Chinese nationals may qualify using any seven-year residence period, while foreigners are only eligible on the basis of the seven years immediately preceding their applications. Individuals from mainland China seeking to settle in Hong Kong are additionally subject to emigration control by
744-581: A daily basis. More than 4.5 million people are expected to register and obtain ID cards of citizenship or residence in Liberia. The project has already started where NIR (National Identification Registry) is issuing Citizen National ID Cards. The centralized National Biometric Identification System (NBIS) will be integrated with other government ministries. Resident ID Cards and ECOWAS ID Cards will also be issued. Mauritius requires all citizens who have reached
837-429: A difficult-to-forge embedded integrated circuit standardized in 1988 by ISO/IEC 7816 . New technologies allow identity cards to contain biometric information, such as a photograph , face ; hand , or iris measurements; or fingerprints . Many countries issue electronic identity cards . Law enforcement officials claim that identity cards make surveillance and the search for criminals easier and therefore support
930-442: A driving licence, and young people may need to use specially issued "proof of age cards" when purchasing alcohol. Arguments for identity documents as such: Arguments for national identity documents: Arguments against identity documents as such: Arguments against national identity documents: Arguments against overuse or abuse of identity documents: According to Privacy International , as of 1996 , possession of identity cards
1023-424: A first name) or 'Tai Ming Peter CHAN' ('Peter' as a middle name)) on his HKID card and the government's records. This is not considered by the Immigration Department as a name change. The Immigration Department considers that his or her original name (in the format of 'Tai Man CHAN') is an alias, and that the newly lodged name (usually in the format of 'Peter Tai Man CHAN' or 'Tai Man Peter CHAN' or CHAN Tai Man, Peter)
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#17327835270951116-620: A general public unwillingness to integrate them led some FDHs to more actively protest their disadvantaged legal status. However, in 2013, the Court of Final Appeal upheld existing government exclusion of FDHs from right of abode eligibility in Vallejos v Commissioner of Registration . A majority of Hongkongers did not support the extension of residency rights to this minority group, fearing an increase in government spending to accommodate them. The current regulatory environment for FDHs, including
1209-541: A national identity card in 2005, but its adoption back then was limited and not widespread. The country is now in the process of introducing a new biometric ID card complete with a SmartCard and other security features. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is the federal government agency responsible for the issuance of these new cards, as well as the management of the new National Identity Database. The Federal Government of Nigeria announced in April 2013 that after
1302-592: A new smart Identity card. The new cards contained an embedded microchip , which stored the bearer's information electronically. Previous HKIDs remained valid until the Executive Council , through the Secretary for Security , declared them invalid. In addition, existing holders of HKIDs were called to have their old-style HKIDs replaced by the new cards. Between August 2003 to 2007, all Hong Kong ID cards were replaced. The introduction of smart identity cards
1395-670: A passport or occasionally a national identity card from their home country available at any time if they do not have a residence permit in the country. A version of the passport considered to be the earliest identity document inscribed into law was introduced by King Henry V of England with the Safe Conducts Act 1414 . For the next 500 years up to the onset of the First World War , most people did not have or need an identity document. Photographic identification appeared in 1876 but it did not become widely used until
1488-600: A passport with a Hong Kong permanent resident number), "youth" (from age 11 up until 18), and "adult" (issued from age 18 onwards). Permanent HKID holders have the Right of Abode ( Chinese : 居留權 ; Cantonese Yale : Gēuilàu kyùn ) in Hong Kong. Under the Basic Law of Hong Kong , a person who belongs to one of the following categories is a permanent resident of the HKSAR with right of abode privileges: Paper versions of
1581-555: A person to live and work in the territory without any restrictions or conditions of stay. Someone who has that right is a Hong Kong permanent resident . Foreign nationals may acquire the right of abode after meeting a seven-year residency requirement and are given most rights usually associated with citizenship, including the right to vote in regional elections . However, they are not entitled to hold territorial passports or stand for office in some Legislative Council constituencies, unless they also naturalise as Chinese citizens . As
1674-412: A police or immigration officer became compulsory. This law was passed to control large numbers of illegal immigrants arriving in the territory. The government adopted a policy of deporting illegal immigrants within three days if they could not produce a valid ID card. From March 1983, digitally processed identity cards were introduced to reduce forgery. This also simplified border controls. On 1 June 1987,
1767-529: A smart card ID was launched to replace the ID book. The cards were launched on July 18, 2013, when a number of dignitaries received the first cards at a ceremony in Pretoria. The government plans to have the ID books phased out over a six to eight-year period. The South African government is looking into possibly using this smart card not just as an identification card but also for licences, National Health Insurance , and social grants. Every citizen of Tunisia
1860-451: A travel document to enter and exit Hong Kong. A Hong Kong ID card bears a number of symbols in Roman letters under the date of birth (for example: ***AZ, AO, CO) Up until the issue of Smart ID cards, which were issued commencing from 2003, the sex of the holder was also shown in the codes under the date of birth (for example for example ***AFZ, AMO, CFO). It is now shown next to the left of
1953-502: A visa exemption scheme: these places include Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands . Only HKSAR passport holders who were not born in Hong Kong or Macau are required to possess HKID when entering Taiwan . HKID holders who possess right of abode or right to land are automatically eligible to use the e-Channel when arriving at or departing from Hong Kong. The e-Channel is not available when using an HKSAR passport and
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#17327835270952046-416: Is a document proving a person's identity. If the identity document is a plastic card it is called an identity card (abbreviated as IC or ID card ). When the identity document incorporates a photographic portrait , it is called a photo ID . In some countries, identity documents may be compulsory or non-compulsory to have. The identity document is used to connect a person to information about
2139-460: Is estimated that approximately 172 million Indonesian nationals will have an e-KTP issued to them. Every citizen of Iran has an identification document called Shenasnameh ( Iranian identity booklet ) in Persian (شناسنامه). This is a booklet based on the citizen's birth certificate which features their Shenasnameh National ID number, given name , surname , their birth date, their birthplace, and
2232-455: Is expected to apply for an ID card by the age of 18; however, with the approval of a parent(s), a Tunisian citizen may apply for, and receive, an ID card prior to their eighteenth birthday upon parental request. In 2016, The government has introduced a new bill to the parliament to issue new biometric ID documents. The bill has created controversy amid civil society organizations. Zimbabweans are required to apply for National Registration at
2325-506: Is no mandatory identity card in India, the Aadhaar card, a multi-purpose national identity card, carrying 16 personal details and a unique identification number, has been available to all citizens since 2009. The card contains a photograph, full name, date of birth, and a unique, randomly generated 12-digit National Identification Number . However, the card itself is rarely required as proof,
2418-468: Is not considered a national identity card by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP), but many say it is in fact becoming that, and without public debate or even a legislative foundation. There is debate in these countries about whether such cards and their centralised databases constitute an infringement of privacy and civil liberties . Most criticism is directed towards
2511-439: Is the national identity card of Cape Verde . It is compulsory for all Egyptian citizens age 16 or older to possess an ID card ( Arabic : بطاقة تحقيق شخصية Biṭāqat taḥqīq shakhṣiyya , literally, "Personal Verification Card"). In daily colloquial speech , it is generally simply called "el-biṭāqa" ("the card"). It is used for: Egyptian ID cards consist of 14 digits, the national identity number, and expire after 7 years from
2604-537: Is the only acceptable legal document to obtain employment, a residence permit, driving licence or passport, and to open bank accounts or apply for entry to tertiary education and technical colleges. The Hong Kong Identity Card (or HKID ) is an official identity document issued by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong to all people who hold the right of abode, right to land or other forms of limited stay longer than 180 days in Hong Kong. According to Basic Law of Hong Kong , all permanent residents are eligible to obtain
2697-466: Is the proper name of the applicant (in the sense that such name is the 'proper name' of the applicant). A legal hangover from the former British administration is that the English transliteration of a person's Chinese name is their official legal name, and not their name in Chinese characters as would be expected. Normally, when non-ethnic Chinese register for their first HKID card, the space reserved for
2790-574: Is usually conferred by descent to children born abroad, unless the parents have obtained permanent residency in another country or foreign citizenship. However, while Chinese nationals born in mainland China to Hong Kong permanent resident parents do have right of abode, they must first be approved for One-way Permits by mainland authorities before claiming permanent residency. Residents of Macau also do not have automatic right of entry into Hong Kong. Non-residents seeking to apply to become permanent residents must have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for
2883-540: Is yet to be determined. South African citizens aged 15 years and 6 months or older are eligible for an ID card. The South African identity document is not valid as a travel document or valid for use outside South Africa. Although carrying the document is not required in daily life, it is necessary to show the document or a certified copy as proof of identity when: The South African identity document used to also contain driving and firearms licences ; however, these documents are now issued separately in card format. In mid 2013
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2976-591: The Bahamas , Canada , Nauru , New Zealand , Samoa , Tuvalu and the United Kingdom . Other identity documents such as passports or driver's licenses are then used as identity documents when needed. However, governments of the Bahamas and Samoa are planning to introduce new national identity cards in the near future Some countries, like Denmark, have more simple official identity cards, which do not match
3069-585: The British Islands first had immigration controls imposed on them when entering the United Kingdom. Hong Kong followed suit and imposed greater restrictions on subjects from outside the territory. British subjects born in the colony were given belonger status , to indicate their possession of right of abode in Hong Kong. Nationality law reform in 1981 reclassified the vast majority of Hong Kong belongers as British Dependent Territories citizens (BDTCs). The border between Hong Kong and mainland China
3162-775: The Government of the Republic of China retreated to Taiwan and the People's Republic of China was established on the mainland, the Hong Kong Government began to register Hong Kong residents to issue compulsory identity documents. These measures were put into practice to manage the influx of migrants from China. The registration was completed in 1951. Although registration was compulsory for all residents, people were not required to carry their documents with them at all times when out in public. Beginning on 1 June 1960,
3255-561: The Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card which states that the holder has the right of abode in Hong Kong . All persons aged 16 and above must carry a valid legal government identification document in public. All persons aged 16 and above must be able to produce valid legal government identification documents when requested by legal authorities; otherwise, they may be held in detention to investigate his or her identity and legal right to be in Hong Kong. While there
3348-543: The Legislative Council and can serve as principal officials of the government. A limited number of residents with foreign nationality or right of abode in other countries may be elected to functional constituency seats in the legislature. According to Article 99 of the Hong Kong Basic Law , public servants serving in all government departments of the HKSAR must be permanent residents of
3441-607: The Registration of Persons Office , where applicants must begin the process to replace their card within 30 days upon returning to Hong Kong. The process begins by making an appointment and completing the online application form, using either the website or mobile app . Existing Hong Kong identity cards (if not yet invalidated) can still be used for immigration clearance. Resident care homes will continue to have On-Site Identity Card Replacement Services. Identity document An identity document (abbreviated as ID )
3534-730: The central government . Permanent residents who are not Chinese nationals will automatically lose their right of abode if they have been absent from Hong Kong for more than 36 months after they ceased to have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong. These individuals are then given the right to land, which also allows them unrestricted access to live and work in the territory. Foreign permanent residents can naturalise as Chinese nationals and become exempt from automatic loss, but are required to renounce their previous nationality on successful application. Children with foreign nationality who were born in Hong Kong and have permanent residency by descent also automatically lose right of abode at age 21 and are given
3627-520: The Basic Law would have been the appropriate course of remedy. They argued that arbitrary NPCSC interpretations without formal requests for them from the CFA would weaken the principle of " one country, two systems ", damage the rule of law, and erode the authority of the CFA as the territory's final appellate court. Although constitutional judicial review is routine in common law systems, Beijing viewed
3720-489: The HKID card). Bearers of a "youth" HKID card must switch to an "adult" HKID within 30 days after their 18th birthday. The "youth" card will be invalid as re-entry travel document 30 days after the 18th birthday. Photographs are not required on HKIDs for children under the age of 11 and cannot be used as travel documents. A Hong Kong Re-entry Permit is issued in its place. Alternatively, children may use their HKSAR passport as
3813-495: The HKSAR except where otherwise provided for in Article 101, however, there is no stipulated requirement about the nationality or passport of a civil servant. Hong Kong permanent residents do not have automatic residence or employment rights in mainland China. The central government issues Home Return Permits to residents who are Chinese citizens for travel purposes and Residence Permits if they intend to reside or work in
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3906-588: The Hong Kong Identity card (such as the one on the right) are issued by the Registration of Persons Office for temporary use until a smart card can be manufactured. This process requires two weeks, and the smart card must be collected within six weeks. All Hong Kong residents aged 11 or over must register for an identity card. Residents of Hong Kong are required to obtain an HKID card at the age of 11. Hong Kong residents over age 15 are required to carry legal identification with them at all times (that is,
3999-523: The Immigration Department produced cards without the coat of arms of British Hong Kong, which would last through the handover on 1 July 1997. Following the handover the cards display a smaller seal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the back of the card. In 2003, the government began replacing the cards with smart ID cards in stages. On 23 June 2003, the Immigration Department of Hong Kong began issuing
4092-485: The Standing Committee to provide a new interpretation of Basic Law Article 24, which defines right of abode eligibility, and Article 22, which stipulates that people from other parts of China are required to seek central government approval before entering Hong Kong. The NPCSC duly issued an interpretation that reinforced requirements for mainland exit procedures and restricted eligibility for right of abode to
4185-635: The United States. The United Kingdom's scheme was scrapped in January 2011 and the database was destroyed. In the United States, the Federal government issues optional non-obligatory identity cards known as " Passport Cards " (which include important information such as the nationality). On the other hand, states issue optional identity cards for people who do not hold a driver's license as an alternate means of identification. These cards are issued by
4278-512: The absence of an explicit identity document, other documents such as driver's license may be accepted in many countries for identity verification . Some countries do not accept driver's licenses for identification, often because in those countries they do not expire as documents and can be old or easily forged. Most countries accept passports as a form of identification. Some countries require all people to have an identity document available at all times. Many countries require all foreigners to have
4371-772: The age of 16. Zimbabwean citizens are issued with a plastic card which contains a photograph and their particulars onto it. Before the introduction of the plastic card, the Zimbabwean ID card used to be printed on anodised aluminium. Along with Driving Licences, the National Registration Card (including the old metal type) is universally accepted as proof of identity in Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans are required by law to carry identification on them at all times and visitors to Zimbabwe are expected to carry their passport with them at all times. Afghan citizens over
4464-561: The age of 18 are required to carry a national ID document called Tazkira . Bahraini citizens must have both an ID card, called a "smart card", which is recognized as an official document and can be used within the Gulf Cooperation Council , and a passport, which is recognized worldwide. Biometric identification has existed in Bangladesh since 2008. All Bangladeshis who are 18 years of age and older are included in
4557-508: The age of 18 to apply for a National Identity Card. The National Identity Card is one of the few accepted forms of identification, along with passports. A National Identity Card is needed to apply for a passport for all adults, and all minors must take with them the National Identity Card of a parent(s) when applying for a passport. Bilhete de identidade (BI) is the national ID card of Mozambique . Nigeria first introduced
4650-447: The birth register. Some of them may wish to include their western-style English name as part of their official English name (this is known as 'adding an English name' locally). They can apply to the Immigration Department for including such name as part of their official English name (example: someone named 'Tai Ming CHAN' may have adopted a Western-style English name Peter and wish to have this name shown as 'Peter Tai Ming CHAN' ('Peter' as
4743-556: The criteria as it was before the CFA rulings. The CFA confirmed its effect in local law in Lau Kong Yung v Director of Immigration . While the interpretation resolved the immediate immigration crisis, the constitutionality and legality of bypassing the Court of Final Appeal was widely debated. Many legislators, especially the pro-democracy camp , and the Hong Kong Bar Association believed that amending
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#17327835270954836-506: The date of birth, so the codes under the date of birth do not include M or F. The symbols have the following meaning: HKID cards contain the bearer's HKID number, of which the standard format is X123456(A). X represents any one or two letters of the alphabet. The meaning of each initial letter is explained in the table below. The numerals may represent any Arabic number. A is the check digit which has 11 possible values from 0 to 9 and A. There are 26 million possible card numbers using only
4929-427: The date of issue. Some feel that Egyptian ID cards are problematic, due to the general poor quality of card holders' photographs and the compulsory requirements for ID card holders to identify their religion and for married women to include their husband's name on their cards. All Gambian citizens over 18 years of age are required to hold a Gambian National Identity Card. In July 2009, a new biometric identity card
5022-465: The early 20th century when photographs became part of passports and other ID documents, all of which came to be referred to as " photo IDs " in the late 20th century. Both Australia and Great Britain, for example, introduced the requirement for a photographic passport in 1915 after the so-called Lody spy scandal . The shape and size of identity cards were standardized in 1985 by ISO/IEC 7810 . Some modern identity documents are smart cards that include
5115-520: The emergence of a hostile environment against mainland tourists. Foreign domestic helpers (FDHs), live-in female household workers mostly from the Philippines or Indonesia, constitute the largest non-Chinese minority group in Hong Kong. They are not considered ordinarily resident in the territory and cannot claim permanent residency. Racial tension between these workers and local residents, pervasive perceptions of FDHs as being lower class, and
5208-711: The form of the Ghana Card arose in the country. Full implementation of the Ghana Cards begun from 2006. According to the National Identification Authority , over 15 million Ghanaians have been registered for the Ghana card by September 2020. Liberia has begun the issuance process of its national biometric identification card, which citizens and foreign residents will use to open bank accounts and participate in other government services on
5301-515: The future of Hong Kong in the early 1980s and agreed on the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984. The basic principles for the right of abode are set as part of this treaty and further defined in the Hong Kong Basic Law , which encompass the right to land with the added entitlement that a bearer cannot be deported. Belonger status was renamed permanent resident status in 1987, when landed Chinese residents were given
5394-732: The government introduced the second generation of ID cards. These bore the holder's fingerprint and photograph, and an official stamp. The information was typed, and the card was laminated. Males had a blue card and females had a red card. The format of card was replaced in November 1973 with a card without fingerprints. The colour of the stamp identified and differentiated permanent residents (black) from non-permanent ones (green). New immigrants subsequently became known colloquially as "green stampers" ( Chinese : 綠印客 ; Cantonese Yale : luhk yan haak ). From 24 October 1980, carrying an identity card in public areas and showing it when requested by
5487-480: The handover. How an individual could acquire (or lose) his or her right of abode in Hong Kong depends on his or her nationality. Acquisition by birth operates on a modified jus soli basis; Chinese nationals born in Hong Kong are automatically permanent residents, while foreign nationals must have at least one parent who possesses right of abode. Children born outside of Hong Kong acquire right of abode if they are also Chinese nationals at birth. Chinese nationality
5580-613: The holder has the right of abode or the right to land in Hong Kong, (the holder is able to stay for up to 1 year in Macau visa-free). Albania also accepts the Hong Kong permanent identity card by itself for entry, for a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days. Montserrat also accepts HKID for stay no longer than 14 days. Montserratian authorities allow to enter with any proof of identity (even driving licence) Some foreign territories require Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders to present their HKID as well to benefit from
5673-505: The legal systems of the territory and mainland and xenophobic sentiment among local residents. In 1999, the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) issued two judgements that granted right of abode in Hong Kong to children born in mainland China with at least one parent who had the right of abode, including those whose parents had become a permanent resident after the time of birth. The regional government expected that 1.67 million new immigrants from
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#17327835270955766-710: The local Vital Records branches of the Iranian Ministry of Interior . In order to apply for an NID card, the applicant must be at least 15 years old and have a photograph attached to their Birth Certificate , which is undertaken by the Vital Records branch. Since June 21, 2008, NID cards have been compulsory for many things in Iran and Iranian missions abroad (e.g., obtaining a passport, driver's license, any banking procedure, etc.). Right of abode issue, Hong Kong Right of abode in Hong Kong entitles
5859-545: The mainland for longer than six months. Hong Kong permanent residents are also subject to immigration controls in Macau , and must obtain residence permits if living there for more than one year. The eligibility criteria for right of abode has been a contentious issue and repeatedly challenged in court since the transfer of sovereignty. Because constitutional issues require central government review, litigation on right of abode issues has highlighted conflicting differences between
5952-550: The mainland would seek to acquire the right of abode on these terms over the next decade, and projected that Hong Kong would not be able to absorb such a sudden population increase. Although the CFA is the highest territorial court, the Court clarified that its authority to interpret the Basic Law derives from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC). The government subsequently asked
6045-569: The name of the bearer in English, and if applicable in Chinese . The HKID does not expire for the duration of residency in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong permanent identity card is a class of HKID issued to Hong Kong residents who have the right of abode (ROA) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region . There are around 8.8 million Hong Kong identity cards in circulation. The current HKID, named as
6138-480: The names, birth dates and National ID numbers of their legal ascendants. In other pages of the Shenasnameh, their marriage status, names of spouse(s), names of children, date of every vote cast and eventually their death would be recorded. Every Iranian permanent resident above the age of 15 must hold a valid National Identity Card ( Persian :کارت ملی) or at least obtain their unique National Number from any of
6231-486: The new smart identity card, features multiple security, durability and chip technology enhancements. The use of identity documents has a long history in Hong Kong, starting with manually filled paper documents, to the smart card introduced on 23 June 2003. Before 1949, people could move freely into and out of Hong Kong (then a British colony ), and China (then Republic of China ). Hong Kong residents who held Republic of China citizenship were not registered. In 1949, when
6324-474: The next general election in 2015, all subsequent elections will require that voters will only be eligible to stand for office or vote provided the citizen possesses a NIMC-issued identity card. The Central Bank of Nigeria is also looking into instructing banks to request for a National Identity Number (NIN) for any citizen maintaining an account with any of the banks operating in Nigeria. The proposed kick off date
6417-463: The number or a copy of the card being sufficient. The card has a SCOSTA QR code embedded on the card, through which all the details on the card are accessible. In addition to Aadhaar, PAN cards, ration cards , voter cards and driving licences are also used. These may be issued by either the government of India or the government of any state and are valid throughout the nation. The Indian passport may also be used. Residents over 17 are required to hold
6510-401: The one-letter prefix, and 676 million using a two-letter prefix. The ID numbers of deceased persons are not reused. It is also noted that the check digit in brackets is not part of the identity card number, but appended solely to facilitate computer data processing. Infants are not issued HKIDs but birth certificates have been issued with the holder's ID number since 1 January 1980. As of
6603-601: The other two jurisdictions, which both control immigration separately. Similarly, mainland Chinese and Macanese residents do not automatically have residence or employment rights in Hong Kong. Hong Kong was a British colony from 1842 until its transfer to China in 1997. Accordingly, regulations on local residence rights were closely tied to British nationality law during colonial rule. All British subjects previously had unrestricted access to live and work in any British territory. Parliament gradually restricted this from 1962 to 1971, when subjects originating from outside of
6696-423: The person must clear immigration at an inspection counter if he or she arrives at or depart from a port of entry without HKID. Non-permanent residents are also eligible if they hold a Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or if they are successfully registered for e-Channel. The current replacement schedule is now complete. For residents who are absent from Hong Kong, replacement cards are now issued by
6789-431: The person, often in a database . The connection between the identity document and database is based on personal information present on the document, such as the bearer's full name , birth date , address , an identification number, card number, gender, citizenship and more. A unique national identification number is the most secure way, but some countries lack such numbers or do not show them on identity documents. In
6882-474: The pertinent documents. Those working on UK railway lands near working lines must carry a photographic ID card to indicate training in track safety (PTS and other cards) possession of which is dependent on periodic and random alcohol and drug screening . In Queensland and Western Australia , anyone working with children has to take a background check and get issued a Blue Card or Working with Children Card, respectively. Cartão Nacional de Identificação (CNI)
6975-599: The possibility of abuse of centralised databases storing sensitive data. A 2006 survey of UK Open University students concluded that the planned compulsory identity card under the Identity Cards Act 2006 coupled with a central government database generated the most negative response among several options. None of the countries listed above mandate identity documents, but they have de facto equivalents since these countries still require proof of identity in many situations. For example, all vehicle drivers must have
7068-484: The process as a limit to its authority as the sovereign power and preferred more flexible interpretation of the law. Additionally, the regional government believed that revising the Basic Law would delay resolving the issue for too long since amendments require review by the entire National People's Congress , which only meets once each spring. The Court of Final Appeal issued a further ruling in 2001 that all Chinese nationals born in Hong Kong would have right of abode in
7161-465: The region, even if neither parent was a permanent resident. This change directly led to a growing trend of birth tourism ; increasing numbers of expectant mothers from the mainland entered Hong Kong to give birth with the express purpose of exploiting the healthcare system and giving their children permanent residency in the territory. Overcrowding in hospital maternity wards became a major factor in contributing to growing consternation among residents and
7254-709: The right of abode along with Hong Kong BDTCs. All BDTCs who did not have a connection with a remaining British Dependent Territory other than Hong Kong lost BDTC status on 1 July 1997. Former ethnic Chinese BDTCs became Chinese nationals and could only retain British nationality if they had registered as British Nationals (Overseas) prior to the transfer of sovereignty. Individuals who were not ethnically Chinese, had not registered as BN(O)s, and would have been stateless at that date automatically became British Overseas citizens . Holders of CIs were able to replace them with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports after
7347-446: The right to land. They may subsequently reapply for right of abode on the basis of a seven-year residence period. Chinese nationals with right of abode may only be deprived of the status if they lose their Chinese nationality. Prior to 1997, acquisition of the right of abode was dependent on British nationality . Individuals born overseas to Hong Kong-connected BDTCs also became BDTCs and Hong Kong permanent residents by descent. After
7440-683: The same organisation responsible for driver's licenses, usually called the Department of Motor Vehicles . Passport Cards hold limited travel status or provision, usually for domestic travel. For the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara , pre-1975 Spanish identity cards are the main proof that they were Saharawi citizens as opposed to recent Moroccan settlers. They would thus be allowed to vote in an eventual self-determination referendum . Companies and government departments may issue ID cards for security purposes, proof of identity , or also as proof of
7533-517: The security and level of acceptance of a national identity card, and which are used by people without driver's licenses. A number of countries have voluntary identity card schemes. These include Austria, Belize, Finland, France (see France section ), Hungary (however, all citizens of Hungary must have at least one of: valid passport, photo-based driving licence, or the National ID card), Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Saint Lucia, Sweden, Switzerland and
7626-510: The status, while former residents who return after that period can only immediately regain the right of abode if they have not been absent from the territory for any period longer than three years. Permanent residents have the unrestricted right to live and work in Hong Kong and cannot be deported from the territory, regardless of their nationality. They are required to register for Hong Kong permanent identity cards (as opposed to standard identity cards which are issued to any person admitted to
7719-431: The territory for more than 180 days), eligible for welfare benefits, and able to vote in regional elections. Chinese nationals with territorial right of abode are eligible to hold Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports , which are different from those issued to mainland residents . Those who additionally do not possess right of abode in foreign countries may stand for office in geographical constituencies of
7812-591: The territory for more than seven years were given the right to land . This exempted them from immigration control, though they could still be deported for serious crimes. Immigration became more restricted in 1974 at the start of the Touch Base Policy . Under this system, illegal immigrants captured by law enforcement were immediately deported but those who had managed to reach urban areas of Hong Kong and found housing accommodation were given legal status. This policy ended in 1980, after which all free migration
7905-449: The transfer of sovereignty, if these individuals did not also acquire Chinese nationality or return to Hong Kong within three years, they would be nonpermanent residents with the right to land. Individuals who lost permanent resident status before 1997 can immediately resume the right of abode under limited circumstances. Those who returned to settle in Hong Kong within 18 months after the transfer of sovereignty were automatically regranted
7998-518: The universal adoption of identity cards. In countries that do not have a national identity card, there is concern about the projected costs and potential abuse of high-tech smartcards. In many countries – especially English-speaking countries such as Australia , Canada , Ireland , New Zealand , the United Kingdom , and the United States – there are no government-issued compulsory identity cards for all citizens. Ireland's Public Services Card
8091-532: The year 2023, there are no single letter HKIDs that begin with the letters: `I`, `O`, `Q`, `U`, `X` (There are double letters begin with `X`) The other difference between the first and second generation cards is the replacement of the coat of arms from the back, which was done to remove any colonial features in preparation for the handover in 1997. It is common for Chinese Hong Kongers to adopt western-style English names (such as John, Mary, etc.), in addition to their phonetic English names, after being registered on
8184-647: Was compulsory in about 100 countries, though what constitutes "compulsory" varies. In some countries, it is compulsory to have an identity card when a person reaches a prescribed age. The penalty for non-possession is usually a fine, but in some cases it may result in detention until identity is established. For people suspected with crimes such as shoplifting or no bus ticket, non-possession might result in such detention, also in countries not formally requiring identity cards. In practice, random checks are rare, except in certain situations. A handful of countries do not issue identity cards. These include Andorra , Australia ,
8277-590: Was designed to prevent counterfeiting. On 27 December 2018, the Immigration Department started the replacement procedure for all existing smart identity cards under the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise. The programme features 24 phases, from 2018 to 2023. There are two classes of Hong Kong identity card: The card types can be further divided into cards bearing the term "child" (below age 11 and not compulsory. The card can be requested to obtain later
8370-399: Was introduced. The biometric card is one of the acceptable documents required to apply for a Gambian Driving Licence. Ghana begun the issuing of a national identity card for Ghanaian citizens in 1973. However, the project was discontinued three years later due to problems with logistics and lack of financial support. This was the first time the idea of national identification systems in
8463-545: Was motivated partly to speed up processing at Hong Kong's Immigration checkpoints, especially with Shenzhen , China. In the latter checkpoint, an estimated 7,200 Hong Kong residents commuted daily to Shenzhen for work and 2,200 students from Shenzhen commuted to school in Hong Kong in 2002. On 29 November 2017, the design of a new smart ID card was introduced. The card is equipped with built-in radio frequency identification, expanded storage for higher-resolution photo, hologram background, rainbow printing, and micro-printed text. It
8556-601: Was not regulated for over 100 years after establishment of the colony. Border controls did not exist until 1950, after communist victory in the Chinese Civil War . Although the border was guarded, the Hong Kong government was relatively lax in deporting illegal immigrants due to a shortage of unskilled labour within the territory, allowing large numbers of them to register as residents. Still, colonial authorities held almost unlimited discretionary deportation powers over Chinese migrants until 1971, when those resident in
8649-467: Was stopped. Chinese migrants moving to Hong Kong forfeited their hukou in mainland China and became ineligible for Chinese passports . These individuals were treated as if they were stateless . The colonial government issued Documents of Identity as travel documents to those who could not obtain passports. After seven years of residence, they were issued Certificates of Identity (CIs). The British and Chinese governments entered negotiations over
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