[reei]

hello, i have the dependent visa sticker in my passport, is it necessary to carry my passport around in hk? in case the police check, that is. coz' if i lose the passport, it will be a hassle to apply for passport and the dependent visa...
any practical solution to this?

[Ace]

Not necessary to carry your passport around. Make photocopy of the visa page and the front page where it shows your picture and details.

[reei]

ace, thank you very much for your suggestion.

[HKFella]

Reei, it's the HK ID card which you need to have on you always, assuming you're old enough for one.

[reei]

thanks hkfella, i thought i can only get the hkid after staying in hk for 7 years. isn't that so?

[kombuchakid]

Reei

First thing Monday get down to Immigration and apply for an identity card. You are required to have an IC if you are not here as a tourist, no exceptions.

[reei]

thanks for that, kombuchakid, will go to immigration department, but not on monday, in melbourne right now. will do that as soon as i arrive in hk in july.

[HKFella]

Originally Posted by reei

thanks hkfella, i thought i can only get the hkid after staying in hk for 7 years. isn't that so?

Reei, it says on HK Immigration website: "Every person aged 11 and above who enters and is permitted to stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days must apply to register [for HKID card] within 30 days of arrival".

Try this for info: http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/faq.htm#1

After 7 yrs stay one can apply for permanent resident status (and permanent HKID card that goes with it). Do not confuse this with the rule above.