The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced that from December 1 to 6, special service sessions during non-office hours will be provided at the Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O for residents affected by the Tai Po fire to replace their personal documents.

The special sessions run from 6pm to 10pm between December 1 and December 5, and from 1pm to 10pm on December 6.

At present, residents affected by the Tai Po fire can separately apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Travel Documents at Immigration Offices during business hours, without needing to make an appointment.

The special services, free of charge, include processing applications for the replacement of Hong Kong identity cards; Hong Kong SAR travel documents such as Hong Kong SAR passports, Documents of Identity for Visa Purposes, and Re-entry Permits; Hong Kong birth certificates; and certified copy of marriage certificates. The services also cover the application for an extension of stay, as well as requests for records in relation to current conditions and limit of stay.

The ImmD will deploy officers to the temporary shelters at Tung Cheong Street Community Hall and Tai Po Community Centre, and arrange a transport service to its Tseung Kwan O headquarters for the residents.

The processing time will also be accelerated, with an aim to prepare the documents within two days.

In relation to travel documents such as the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong & Macao Residents (known as the “Home Return Permit”) issued by Mainland authorities, the China Travel Service Document Services HK Limited Tseung Kwan O Centre will open in parallel with the ImmD’s special service sessions to handle residents’ applications.

For enquiries, call 2824 6111 or email enquiry@immd.gov.hk.