Hong Kong residents will be able to apply for identity cards and passports via self-service kiosks from Friday, with the collection time shortened by two days to five – and applicants getting six chances to take their best photo.
The fully automated process was made possible after the law was amended in October, allowing eligible applicants to apply for the two documents at the kiosks without the need for an in-person interview with an immigration officer, a previous requirement.
According to the Immigration Department, each applicant using the kiosks to apply for an ID card will have six chances to take their photos, and registration officers will help if all these attempts fail. Applicants who apply for a card through the staffed counters are usually allowed to choose from one of the two photos taken.
“The kiosks can now process applications for identity cards and passports together. The newly implemented kiosks will help the department to process 900 applications per day, and the processing time will be shortened from seven days to five days,” Chow said.
Kiosks can be used for replacement for an adult identity card for those reaching the age of 18. They can also be used for replacement for a permanent ID card for those having their eligibility for such a card verified, and replacement for a new smart ID card for those holding a valid old form of smart ID card.
