About nine-tenths of households will be subject to a simple enumeration to provide basic demographic information of their household members. The remaining one-tenth of households will be subject to more detailed enquiry on a broader range of demographic and socio-economic characteristics of their household members.

Multi-modal data collection approach

The 2021 Population Census (the Census) will be conducted in two phases. During the first phase starting on 23 June, households may choose to complete their questionnaires online or via telephone. Those households selected for simple enumeration may also complete and mail back the questionnaires to the Census and Statistics Department (CenStatD).

During the second phase starting on 18 July, our census officers will visit those households which have not yet responded to the survey, to collect the required information. Our census officers will carry a Census Officer Certificate of Identity for households to identify them easily.

To reduce face-to-face contact and maintain social distancing, we appeal to households to provide the requested information by completing the online questionnaire of the Census, which is also convenient, secure and environmentally friendly. Households may activate the online questionnaire by scanning the QR code on the notification letter/questionnaire or via the secure thematic website of the Census (www.census2021.gov.hk).

Information collected in the Census regarding individual persons and households will be kept in strict confidence and will not be released to any unauthorised parties (including government departments). Such information will only be used for compiling statistics and not for any other purposes.

CenStatD has set up a thematic website to provide information and services relating to the Census for members of the public.