By: Elif Lale AYHANEdited by: Ming Min AW YONG

The last application date for replacement of new smart identity cards at the Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres (SIDCCs) has been extended from the original date, February 11 to March 3. Meanwhile, the identity card collection service will be maintained through to March 3, 2023. A roving exhibition by the Immigration Department has been held in PopCorn mall in Tseung Kwan O from February 8 to 9. The exhibition aimed to promote publicity on applications for smart identity cards and appeals for ID cards.  Failing to apply for a new ID card within the time limit would be against the law unless there is a reasonable excuse and could result in a maximum fine of HK $5,000. Hongkongers are also not allowed to keep their old ID cards and are required to return them to the Registration of Persons Office. Those found in possession of more than one ID card can be fined up to HK$5000 and imprisoned for two years without a reasonable excuse.  The exhibition includes showcases of ID card history, panels showing the requirements for the renewal of ID cards, and the rules for applying for the new smart ID cards. There are also staff from the immigration department stationed to help citizens with any enquiries about the replacement. According to the information shown in the exhibition, the new smart ID card uses a variety of new security features, including colourful UV patterns that appear under ultraviolet light, which improves overall security measures. The new smart ID cards are also more durable than the old ID cards. “Most of the people we helped and explained to are the elderly, and this exhibition surely provided them with what they needed to know," said Lin Si-en, a staff member of the immigration department. Neighbours staying near the mall are …

Revised on 5/2/2023 All travel restrictions between Hong Kong and mainland China will be lifted from Monday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced today. There will be no more quota limits and PCR tests.  Crossing points at Lo Wu, Heung Yuen Wai, and Huanggang will be back in service  after three years of Covid restrictions. “Hong Kong’s economic activities will be promoted with the increased travellers and cultural exchange,” said Lee.  Hong Kong's GDP has declined by 3.5% year on year between 2021 and 2022 according to the Census and Statistics Department.  “Since the border shutdown in 2019, passenger flow at our store has been reduced by two-thirds,” said Irene So, a  promoter at a branch of  Watsons in Sheung Shui, a business district near the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau border crossing.  “It may take a month to recover,” she added, “but the situation will finally get better and better.” Nancy Meng, the owner of a currency exchange store in Sheung Shui, said that during the past three years of the pandemic, there has almost been no renminbi to exchange. That has heavily affected her business. “I was at a loss,” she said. Meng has seen a gradual recovery in her business since border policies began to ease last month.“I decided to renovate the store for future business,” she said.  Marine Sun moved her cosmetics store to Sheung Shui three months ago. She is also busy preparing for the reopening by putting up signs and plaques to attract new passengers next week. “Not only our store, but also the whole business district is looking forward to the reopening,” she said. Daniel Cai, 22, was a cross-border high school student before the Covid shutdown. He moved to Hong Kong to study at a local university. He doubts if life …