Identification Services Bureau (DSI) Deputy Director Chao Wai Ieng told lawmakers yesterday that the government will commence issuing a new generation of Macau ID cards in the fourth quarter of next year, adding that residents can renew their ID cards before their respective cards expire.
He also said that the new generation of smart ID cards will feature a wider range of uses for government services.
Chao made the remarks during a one-day Q&A session in the legislature’s hemicycle where Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon and other officials under his portfolio answered questions from legislators about his portfolio’s policy guidelines for next year.
Chao also noted that the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) government issued the first generation of smart ID cards in 2002, the fourth region in the world at that time.
The Identification Services Bureau started to issue the current generation of smart ID cards in 2013.
Chao said that around 400,000 Macau residents are slated to renew their ID cards in 2024, 2025 and 2026 when their cards expire.
Chao underlined that the government will not set a deadline as to when all current smart ID cards will be replaced by the new ones, meaning that the government’s upcoming card renewal process will be carried out naturally according to which residents can renew their ID cards before their cards expire.
Chao also noted that currently residents can directly use their ID cards for various government services, such as that eligible voters can cast their ballots in legislative elections by merely presenting their ID cards.
Chao pointed out that the current smart ID cards can be used for crossing border checkpoints through e-channels and in government self-service kiosks across the city.
Chao said that the use of the next generation’s smart ID cards will continue to be extended, adding that the new cards will feature strengthened encryption technology and security features.
Chao also noted that ID cards of those aged at least 60 are valid permanently, meaning that they can choose not to replace their ID cards with the new ones.
Normally Macau ID cards are valid for 10 years.
Identification Services Bureau (DSI) Deputy Director Chao Wai Ieng addresses yesterday’s plenary session in the legislature’s hemicycle.
– Photo courtesy of TDM
