The Immigration Department on Tuesday said the old form of smart identity cards will be invalidated in 2025 in two phases.

For individuals who were born in 1970 or after, their ID cards will be invalid from May 12 next year; for those born in 1969 or earlier, their ID cards will no longer be valid from October 12, 2025.

This applies to the old form of smart ID cards issued before November 26, 2018.

The department noted that some 90 percent of the old ID card holders have already replaced their cards by the end of last month. But some 180,000 people have not yet renewed their cards, possibly because they are working or studying overseas.

They're being urged to do so as soon as possible.

The authorities stressed that the invalidation of the old ID cards will not affect individuals’ permanent residency rights in the SAR.