Because nobody seems to understand it, and Most Hong Kong people insist on the wrong thing:
| Symbol | Description |
| *** | The holder is aged 18 or over and is eligible for a HKSAR Re-entry Permit |
| A | The holder has the right of abode in the HKSAR |
*** is not the same as right of abode or permanent residency, and it doesn't signify anything apart from your re-entry status.
Source: http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/hkid/smartid.html