New office just the spot in ID card rush

The opening of a temporary office in Kwun Tong for people to apply for identity card replacements will massively boost the Immigration Department's handling capacity, the department's director Benson Kwok Joon-fung said.

Speaking after visiting the new office, which opened yesterday, Kwok said it will raise the department's handling capacity from around 18,000 applications per week to 25,000.

"The new office can handle around 1,100 applications a day and we have started to roll out a total of 100,000 quotas starting from yesterday to address the pressing needs of the public," Kwok said.

With the department saying around 390,000 Hongkongers had yet to replace their identity cards as of September, Kwok said the seven registration offices would be able to cope with all the applications.

"Many people were unable to return and replace identity cards due to border closures during the pandemic, while there are also family members of people admitted through various talent schemes who also need to apply for an identity card," Kwok said.

"I believe that all residents will be able to book an appointment with the opening of the new office, and it should coordinate well with other offices," he added.

People who came to the new office yesterday found it "quick and efficient," while some said they liked its "convenient location."

A couple, Lius, said their trip was quick and easy. "It took only eight to 10 minutes to get things done," the wife said, adding that they booked an appointment Tuesday night.

Lee, who just returned from Australia, said the website and mobile app for online registration had clear instructions and was easy to use.

"The process was smooth and only took me 15 to 20 minutes," he said. "I will be able to use the express e-channel service after getting the new smart identity card."

Wong said the office's location "was so convenient and close to a MTR station exit."

Like the Lius, she made an appointment Tuesday. Previously, she was daunted by a four-month wait.

"When I looked at the website, it was like having a war to fight for quotas, and I was saddened. I am so satisfied with the department's move to release more quotas," Wong said.

The department said a special arrangement allowing non-permanent residents to extend visas remotely will be canceled in January, meaning everyone hoping to do so will have to be in Hong Kong to apply.

The special arrangement was put in place last April 8 during the pandemic to help those who found it difficult with the border closures to come to Hong Kong to apply for extensions.