DSI extends online support to traveling residents

The Identification Services Bureau (DSI) has announced it will extend the online overseas assistance service to support residents who have lost their Macau travel documents while traveling overseas.

Starting today (December 1, 2023), the online overseas assistance service will be implemented at over 200 Chinese overseas embassies or consulates.

Local residents aged 18 or over who have lost their Macau passport in another country can use the “Overseas Assistance – Lost Travel Documents in Journey” service through the “Macao One Account” mobile application.

Applicants can also request assistance for accompanying family members (including a spouse, children at least 5 years old as at the issuing date of their latest resident identity card, parents, or a spouse’s parent).

The system will use facial recognition to verify the identity of those who are seeking assistance. After entering the required information into the system, applicants will be issued both an application number (valid for 24 hours) and a verification code by SMS.

The applicant must then attend their chosen Chinese overseas embassy or consulate and present the valid application number and verification code. The embassy or consulate can confirm their identity without needing further information from DSI.

According to DSI, through this system, it will be possible to expedite the issuance of one-time travel documents to those in need so they can return to Macau.

The DSI also noted that this new facility has the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macau.

Residents traveling abroad can also call 24-hour emergency hotlines for overseas assistance.

Details can be found on the DSI website (www.dsi.gov.mo/hotline_e.html ).