The move is also part of the government’s campaign to step up anti-terrorism measures.

Officials at the NIA under the Ministry of Interior said they will issue only the new ARCs with integrated circuit (IC) chips rather than old paper cards between July 1 and Oct. 31.

This will apply to new applicants for ARCs and the permanent ARCs as well as those who need replacement cards.

Under the second phase of the plan starting from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2008, all existing ARC holders will be notified to turn in the old paper cards in exchange for the electronic ARCs.

Officials said the rules will also cover the more than 300,000 international blue-collar laborers and caregivers employed by manufacturing and construction firms as well as families with patients in need of long-term care.

The new IC ARCs are designed in accordance with the electronic international ID cards (eID cards) adopted in advanced nations to help speed up customs clearance and prevent forgery as well as help ward off possible terrorist activities, the officials explained.

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