Kuwaiti authorities have issued a reminder to foreign residents regarding the ongoing compulsory biometric registration exercise, emphasizing the importance of completing the process before the December 31 deadline. This initiative was implemented to enhance national security and began last year with a mandate for both citizens and residents to submit their biometric data, including fingerprints. While the deadline for Kuwaiti citizens has already lapsed in September, foreign residents are still required to comply by the end of the year. Colonel Thamer Dakhin Al-Mutairi has stressed that those who fail to register will face disruptions in government transactions, highlighting the urgency for both expatriates and nationals to ensure their compliance.
As of now, Kuwaiti authorities report that approximately three million individuals have completed the registration, while over 754,000 are yet to do so. Al-Mutairi also emphasized the need for residents to book appointments when registering at designated centers, noting that those who arrive without an appointment might not be attended to. The biometric registration is seen as a crucial step toward strengthening the country’s security framework, and officials continue to monitor the registration progress closely, implementing measures such as transaction blocks for those who do not comply on time.
In addition to the biometric registration, Kuwait is witnessing a significant rise in the adoption of digital identity applications, which are revolutionizing access to public and private services. The Sahel App, specifically designed to facilitate government services, has seen its user base grow rapidly, reaching over 4.3 million users by October. The recent launch of an English version of the app has further enhanced its usability, particularly for non-Arabic speakers. This advancement aligns with broader efforts in the region to embrace digital technology, making service access faster and more efficient for residents.
Qatar is another country in the region that has embraced digital identity solutions, recently introducing the “Qatar Digital Identity” application. This platform enables users to obtain digital versions of their ID cards and important documents, allowing for a range of services without the need for physical identification. The app also facilitates rapid airport checks through biometric gates and offers features for electronic signatures and document verification. This initiative not only streamlines the user experience but also aims to bolster security and efficiency in administrative processes within the country.
Oman is following suit with its own digital ID and government portal aimed at simplifying the registration process for religious pilgrimages such as the hajj. Registrants can apply using their civil ID numbers or mobile numbers, showcasing a commitment to leveraging technology for facilitating essential services. The process is expected to register 14,000 pilgrims for the hajj, reflecting the transformative role of digital tools in enhancing service delivery within the context of significant cultural and religious events.
Similarly, the UAE has also entered the digital realm with the launch of a new pensions platform, Ma’ashi. This platform requires users to have a digital ID to complete their transactions. The General Pension and Social Security Authority is emphasizing secure access through digital means, with both new and existing users needing to verify their IDs through email confirmation. The increasing reliance on digital identities across the region highlights a significant shift toward enhanced administrative efficiency, improved service accessibility, and reinforced national security measures across various sectors, paving the way for a digitally empowered future.
