Pioneering the Future of ePassport
In a landmark move, the Immigration Department (ImmD) announced the launch of the New Generation Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Electronic Passport (ePassport) with upgraded security features on May 14, 2019.
ICAO-compliant Biometric Passport
The new ePassport maintains strict compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Holder’s information, including personal data and facial image, is securely stored in digital form within a contactless chip seamlessly embedded in the document's back cover.
Unique Features for Enhanced Security
The primary portrait of the ePassport holder continues to be laser-engraved in the data-page. Compared to the 2007 version, the security features of the new document have been further enhanced, a specially made transparent window has been added to the data-page of the new e-Passport, with the holder's secondary portrait laser-engraved into the transparent window.
In addition, the third portrait was printed on the observations page with upgraded true-color UV inkjet printing technology. The advanced technologies have further enhanced the documents' resistance to tampering and counterfeiting, making it more secure and reliable.
EMPTECH's Advanced Personalization System
With a population of approximately 7.4 million, Hong Kong stands at the forefront of technological innovation. As a global hub for commerce and technology, the city is dedicated to embracing new technologies, focusing on advancements that enhance security, reliability, and efficiency to maintain its leadership in technological development and application.
EMPTECH’s personalization system is the innovator behind the new generation HKSAR ePassport.
The system delivered not only provides exceptional printing quality on polycarbonate-based data-page and paper-based observations page but also ensures precise chip encoding, achieving that each document delivered to the applicant is not only accurate but also has the latest advancements in security and durability.
The high production speed of the personalization system, along with the bespoke software, tailored for the Immigration Department, ensures a seamless and efficient management service, which significantly improves efficiency. This is crucial, as it allows the government to meet the demands of large-scale issuance, ensuring that secure, reliable, and technologically advanced ePassports are delivered to the applicants at the expected time.
In conclusion, the launch of the New Generation HKSAR ePassport marks a significant advancement in secure identity document. The ImmD's strict adherence to ICAO standards and collaboration with EMPTECH has resulted in an innovative ePassport with enhanced security features. EMPTECH's cutting-edge personalization system ensures not only exceptional printing quality but also precise chip encoding and efficient management services, aligning seamlessly with Hong Kong's commitment to technological progress. This initiative not only streamlines the issuance process but also delivers ePassports that are both accurate and at the forefront of security technology, reinforcing Hong Kong's standing as a global hub for innovation and excellence in commerce and technology.
References
With trusted technologies and services, EMPTECH has successfully applied our advanced anti-counterfeiting security features and personalization technologies to government-issued credentials in more than ten countries and regions, including:
■ Chinese Citizen ePassport, Diplomatic ePassport and Service ePassport
■ Hong Kong SAR ePassport
■ Kazakhstani eID and ePassport
■ Kyrgyzstani eID and ePassport
■ Nepalese ePassport
■ Nigerian Voter Cards
■ Mainland Travel Permit Cards for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, and more.
