The Immigration Department on Tuesday said it doesn’t plan to invalidate old identity cards, even though the majority of Hongkongers have already replaced them with new smart IDs.

A principal immigration officer, Peggy Yung, said as of mid-February, around 7.9 million new smart ID cards have already been issued.

However, she noted that some Hong Kong residents living overseas aren’t expected to come back anytime soon to renew their identity cards, and therefore the older version will remain valid.

The department also reminded members of the public that its smart ID replacement centres will only operate until March 3.

From March 6, those who wish to get the new ID card will have to visit the government’s Registration of Persons Offices.

The service hours at four of these offices – in Wan Chai, Sham Shui Po, Kwun Tong and Tuen Mun – will be extended to cater for demand.