New Hong Kong passport to come with security updates, including designs visible only under UV light
- Immigration Department expects to open applications in second quarter, with photo-taking kiosks to streamline procedures
- New biodata page will have ultraviolet print of Tsing Ma Bridge, as well as city and national flags
Hong Kong is set to issue a new passport boasting security upgrades, creative ultraviolet designs and a biodata page sporting the national flag above the city’s bauhinia emblem.
The new features to prevent counterfeiting would be on top of some 20 in the current biometric passport, while the booklet’s blue cover would remain unchanged, Director of Immigration Erick Tsang Kwok-wai said on Friday.
The biodata page of the new passport will contain a laser-engraved portrait photo of the holder under a transparent layer – a technology adopted for the new Hong Kong ID cards that was rolled out in December. The page will also be made of polycarbonate and carry micro-printing.
While existing passports have the Tsing Ma Bridge and the regional flag as background print, the data page for the new version will include the national flag above the city’s, next to the Golden Bauhinia. The designs can glow under ultraviolet light.
To streamline procedures, the Post understands that self-service kiosks will be introduced to allow people to take photos and collect the passports later. Applications are expected to open in the second quarter.