Saudi Arabia has taken another significant step toward modernizing its services for expatriates and residents by launching the new "هوية مقيم" (Resident ID). The Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Passports (GDP) announced this initiative, which aims to replace the traditional residency system with this user-friendly and innovative identification card.
This launch not only marks progress but is also part of the wider Vision 2030 initiative, which is geared toward enhancing the quality of life for citizens and residents alike. The new Resident ID, officially unveiled recently, is set to become available starting next year, promising to streamline procedures significantly.
The "هوية مقيم" boasts several key features aimed at facilitating the lives of its holders. One of its standout attributes is its longer validity period. The ID lasts for five years, thereby reducing the frequency of renewals and easing administrative burdens, both for residents and the governmental processes involved.
Another notable aspect of the new Resident ID is its focus on improving digital access. By incorporating smart technology, this new ID allows for quick and efficient transactions, ensuring residents and their employers have reliable proof of identity readily available for daily activities and administrative needs. This was highlighted by the General Directorate of Passports, stating, "تأتي هذه البطاقة الذكية كجزء من الجهود الحكومية لتعزيز التحول الرقمي."
To prepare for the rollout of the new ID, the GDP requires users to register for the “واصل” service, which ensures efficient communication and delivery of official documents. This initiative underlines the government's commitment to improving interaction with the public sector and allows for quick notifications about any administrative updates or processing requirements.
Looking toward the future, starting next year, it will be possible for employers to manage and send employee ID applications electronically, with Resident IDs being sent directly to workplaces. This improvement is anticipated to significantly cut down on the need for individuals to visit service centers, providing convenience for those juggling busy schedules.
The process for obtaining the "هوية مقيم" has been streamlined through the digital platform "أبشر," which many residents are already familiar with for various governmental services. To apply, expatriates can easily submit requests online, reducing paperwork and wait times. The expected processing fees for acquiring the ID are 600 Saudi Riyals for domestic workers and 500 for family members over the age of 18, and these should be paid through approved channels to expedite processing.
The inclusion of all expatriates—ranging from private-sector workers to domestic employees and their families—under this initiative signifies the efforts to integrate the needs of the entire community within Saudi Arabia. With the added capability for citizens to use the Resident ID for services related to domestic workers, this initiative fosters greater efficiency and synergy between various governmental and private sectors.
Overall, the introduction of "هوية مقيم" not only modernizes the residency system but also reflects Saudi Arabia's larger goal of digital transformation aimed at improving everyday life for its citizens and residents. By providing simpler access to government and private services, the government is committed to building pathways for enhanced communication and engagement.
Conclusively, this new digitized ID system stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering innovation and meeting the demands of its diverse populace, thereby paving the way for socioeconomic growth and stability consistent with the ambitions of Vision 2030.