Director of Immigration Department Lai Tung-kwok announced Tuesday the issue of new passport of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2003.
Lai said the newly introduced passport with enhanced security features was the product of the advance technology for security printing in the past few years.
He said that the personal data page of the new passport will be covered with a much thinner security laminate and added with the following visible security features: a logo in the pattern of "HKSAR" printed in optically variable ink; the issuing authority both in Chinese and English "Immigration Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" also printed in optically variable ink; and a fluorescent bauhinia with radiating fine lines and letters in the pattern of "HKSAR" on the personal data page.
Lai said that there will be no changes in the application procedures as well as the fee for the new passport.
HKSAR passports of existing version issued will remain valid until their expiry and the passport holders need not have the existing passport replaced in advance, he added.
The HKSAR passport has been in circulation for more than five years since it was first issued on July 1 1997. So far, more than 2.13 million HKSAR passports have been issued, and 124 countries and territories have granted visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.
(People's Daily January 2, 2003)
