Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — It is not compulsory for expatriates to carry their Muqeem (iqama) digital ID, according to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). Capt. Nasser Al-Otaibi, the spokesman of Jawazat, said that expatriates have the option to carry the printed version of their Muqeem IDs or the digital IDs.

Attending a program on the Al-Majd television channel, he said that the digital ID facilitates the identification of the expatriate’s identity without returning to the original ID. It is noteworthy that Jawazat launched the Muqeem digital ID on the Ministry of Interior’s new electronic application “Absher Individuals in January this year. The digital ID will help expatriates escape the fine for not carrying their original plastic Muqeem cards.

Capt. Al-Otaibi said that the Muqeem Digital ID would facilitate the process of verifying the identity of its holders in the event that they do not carry the plastic copy of the original residency permit (Muqeem Card). “This will enable the beneficiary to view the ID data electronically through the “Absher Afrad” (Absher Individuals) application through the variable QR Code. Expatriates can download a copy of it on their smartphone so that they can take advantage of it without the need to connect to the Internet.”

Al-Otaibi emphasized earlier that the Muqeem Digital ID will be a turning point in the development of the digital transformation process and electronic transactions of individuals with the relevant sectors by using Absher Individuals portal, which is developed by the ministry in cooperation with the National Information Center.

The Ministry of Interior had also announced the launching of the Digital ID of Saudi citizens. Prince Bandar Al-Mashari, assistant minister of interior for technical affairs, revealed that Saudi citizens and expatriates do not require to carry paper/plastic documents of their national identity, residency permit (Muqeem card), driving license, and vehicle registration (istimara).