HK Permanent ID Card

[PDLM]

The Rxxxxxx(3) is your HKID number. It says nothing about your status.

Underneath your date of birth is a code which probably says AO.

That says that you have the right of abode (A) and were born overseas (O). The lack of "***" after AO says that you are not a Chinese Citizen and that you acquired your Right of Abode through 7 years continuous residence in Hong Kong.

People who acquire right of abode in those circumstances do need to visit HK every 36 months in order to keep it ("visit" simply means come through Immigration, even if just in transit somewhere else that is sufficient). If you fail to do this then your Right of Abode will be downgraded to Right To Land. This is actually pretty much the same except that:
- you can't vote
- you can be deported for certain serious offences
- your children if born in HK don't automatically get the right of abode

With Right To Land you can still live and work in HK freely.

[wxt]

Hi,

I have a quick (hopefully) question.

I have a HK permanant ID card with AZ on it, but no stars. I was born in HK but I am not of Chinese ethnicity. Do I still have to go back every 36 months to maintain my status?

Please answer if you can.

Thanks in advance.
wxt

[Hairball]

Hi,

I have a quick (hopefully) question.

I have a HK permanant ID card with AZ on it, but no stars. I was born in HK but I am not of Chinese ethnicity. Do I still have to go back every 36 months to maintain my status?

Please answer if you can.

Thanks in advance.
wxt

Yes you do, unless you become a Chinese citizen. Otherwise you become downgraded to RTL.

[wxt]

Appreciate the quick response Hairball.

Thanks,
wxt