Hong Kong SAR: New Passport Mobile Application Stations Forthcoming
August 1, 2022
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At a Glance
- The Hong Kong SAR government will be launching new Passport Mobile Application Stations (PMAS) starting September 2022.
- Applicants will be able to submit passport applications through the various PMAS which will be located throughout the districts of Hong Kong SAR by presenting their valid Hong Kong SAR permanent identity cards.
- Applicants will benefit by having a new option to submit passport applications in addition to online and in-person options at the Travel Document Submission Kiosks at the Immigration Headquarters in Wan Chai and other branch offices.
The situation
The Immigration Department of Hong Kong SAR announced that the new Passport Mobile Application Stations (PMAS) will be available for passport applicants starting September 2022.
A closer look
Applicants will be able to submit both new passport and renewal applications through the various PMAS that will be located throughout the different districts of Hong Kong SAR by presenting their valid Hong Kong SAR permanent identity cards as well as supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, school documents, etc. as applicable.
Applicants will have their photos taken on-site and the application fee must be paid online by credit card.
Impact
Applicants will benefit from a new option to submit passport applications in addition to online and in-person options at the Travel Document Submission Kiosks at the Immigration Headquarters in Wan Chai and other branch offices.
Applicants will benefit from having PMAS in more locations, as these will be strategically stationed in every district in Hong Kong SAR.
Background
- Procedure and requirements. Applicants will follow the same procedure and requirements for applications through the PMAS as that of online applications. Applicants will be required to collect their new passports in person at the Immigration Headquarters or the Immigration Branch Offices.
- Streamlining of immigration applications. The new option is in line with the trend of streamlining of immigration applications in the region. In China, the government has been moving more immigration applications to their integrated online platform. In Taiwan, the government recently introduced changes that will move Alien Resident Certificate and Work Permit applications online for certain applicants.
Looking ahead
It is likely that the government will move more passport application steps to a fully contactless system to further streamline the process by allowing the submission of all documents electronically and providing delivery services for the physical passport upon approval.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected]
