The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) announced Monday that its Immigration Department will start accepting applications for HKSAR e-Passport from Feb. 5.

The HKSAR e-Passports will be issued for applications received on that day onwards with a view to enhancing document security, a HKSAR government spokesman said.

"The application procedures for HKSAR e-Passport will remain unchanged, and the existing version of HKSAR passports will remain valid until their expiry," the spokesman added.

In compliance with the standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the HKSAR e-Passport contains digital data including holder's personal data and facial image which will be stored in the contactless chip embedded in the back cover of the e-Passport.

On the artwork design of the bio-data page, the spokesman said Hong Kong's landmarks, the Tsing Ma Bridge and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, formed the main theme which projects Hong Kong's image as a cosmopolitan city.

For improved security, the holder's personal particulars and photograph will be engraved onto the e-Passport by laser engraving technology.

"To further enhance customer service, the time required for processing applications will be shortened from 15 to 10 working days," the spokesman added.

In addition to the HKSAR e-Passport, the Immigration Department will also start issuing the HKSAR Electronic Document of Identity for Visa Purposes (e-DI) from February 5 when the e-DI issued on and after that date will also contain a contactless chip, he said.