Hong Kong: New smart identity card and territory-wide replacement exercise
As of November 26, if a person applies for a Hong Kong identity card (HKIC) at a Registration of Persons (ROP) Office, they will receive a new smart HKIC form. A territory-wide identity card replacement exercise will begin on December 27, 2018.
Holders of existing smart HKICs will be invited to attend one of the nine newly established Smart Identity Card replacement centers (SIDCCs). No fee will be charged for new smart cards issued under the replacement exercise.
In addition, a mobile application will provide relevant services from November 26. Self-service registration kiosks and self-service collection kiosks will also be introduced.
Appointments can already be scheduled and forms completed online before visiting ROP Offices or SIDCCs. This means applicants will enjoy a faster registration process.
Key considerations
Hong Kong residents currently overseas have 30 days after returning to replace their HKIC. The existing arrangement for issuing a Certificate of Exemption to the aged, the blind or the infirm who are in Hong Kong but are unable to replace their identity cards in person remains unchanged.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s website.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debbie Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager, APAC.
Thailand: Changes affecting non-BOI registered companies
Employers not registered with the Board of Investment in Thailand must submit copies of all passport pages when filing Pre-Work Permit approvals with the Employment Department. The pre-approval is a prerequisite to obtaining a work permit.
The sticker requirement is intended to ensure that the foreign employee is outside Thailand when the Pre-Work Permit application is submitted. Companies that fail to comply with this requirement may have their application refused, delaying the entire application process.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debbie Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager, APAC.
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