Spark Study Buddy (Challenger): Old Hong Kong ID cards to become invalid
The story on this page has some tougher vocabulary words and questions to improve your understanding and English grammar
Old Hong Kong ID cards will become invalid in phases, and residents must update them to avoid fines or apply for exemptions. Photo: Edmond SoContent provided by British Council
[1] Old versions of Hong Kong’s smart identity cards will become invalid in phases starting today. The invalidation will begin in two phases. From May 12, holders of old forms of smart identity cards born in 1970 or after (aged 55 or below) will have their documents invalidated. The second phase, targeting those born in 1969 or earlier (aged 56 or above), will kick in on October 12.
[2] This applies to all permanent and non-permanent residents. Old identity cards are those that were issued or had been applied for before November 26, 2018. People can check the front of their ID card to see when it was issued. While invalid identity cards will not affect the holder’s right to stay in Hong Kong, they cannot be used to apply for new passports.
[3] According to the Registration of Persons Ordinance, it is considered an offence if you do not update to a new ID card within the designated time frame and do not have a valid reason. If convicted, you could be fined up to HK$5,000 (US$645).
[4] The Immigration Department advised residents still holding old identity cards to book an appointment at the Registration of Persons (ROP). The temporary office is located in the Manulife Financial Centre in Kwun Tong. They are required to make an appointment in advance. Bookings can be made online, over the phone or by using the department’s mobile app.
[5] People aged 18 or older can use self-service personal documentation submission kiosks. The kiosks can be found at Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O. They can complete their application without requiring an appointment.
[6] The elderly, blind or the infirm are not required to replace their old identity card if they satisfy a registration officer that doing so would injure their health or the health of others. Instead, they must apply for a Certificate of Exemption, which can be done in the form of a written letter or submitted online.
[7] If you are not in Hong Kong and cannot update your card, you need to replace it within 30 days of your return. If you haven’t applied for a new identity card before it becomes invalid, you will need to explain why during registration. Invalidated ID cards cannot be used for immigration clearance, so if you return to Hong Kong after the designated date, make sure to use other valid travel documents to enter the city.
Source: South China Morning Post, April 28
Questions
1. According to paragraphs 1 and 2, … will have their old smart identity cards invalidated starting on May 12.
A. those born in 1955 or earlier
B. those born in 1970 or after
C. only non-permanent residents above the age of 60
D. all residents
2. How can people tell if their ID card needs to be replaced, according to paragraph 2?
3. According to paragraph 3, what is the maximum penalty for using an invalid card without a good reason?
4. Which groups of people do not need to replace their old identity card, according to paragraph 6?
5. Match the headers below to their corresponding paragraphs. (4 marks)
(A) How can I replace my ID card?
(B) Who should apply for the ID card?
(C) What happens if I am not in Hong Kong on the invalidation date?
(D) Are there any exceptions?
6. Complete the following summary using the words “valid’, “invalid” and “invalidated”. (4 marks)
Old Hong Kong ID cards will soon become (i) ____________. These (ii) ____________ cards will not affect one’s right of abode but cannot be used for new passports. While residents still holding old cards need to book appointments to update to a (iii) ____________ new ID, some individuals like the elderly, blind, or infirm may be exempt. Failure to update without a (iv) ____________ reason can result in a fine.
Answers
1. B
2. by checking the front of their ID card to see if it was issued before November 26, 2018
3. a fine of up to HK$5,000
4. the elderly, blind and the infirm
5. (A) Paragraph 4; (B) Paragraph 1; (C) Paragraph 7; (D) Paragraph 3
6. (i) invalid; (ii) invalidated; (iii) valid; (iv) valid