Saudi Arabia Launches “Muqeem ID,” ending Years of Residency queue Hassles
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A new digital residency card promises to save millions of residents in Saudi Arabia an estimated four days of waiting time every five years,marking a significant step forward in the Kingdom’s digital change efforts. The General Directorate of Saudi passports has launched the smart “Muqeem ID,” streamlining the residency process and reducing administrative burdens for both residents and government agencies.
The new system, available thru the Absher platform, offers a five-year validity period, eliminating the need for annual residency renewals and frequent visits to passport control centers. According to authorities, the service will soon become mandatory, urging residents to register while it remains optional to fully benefit from the transition.
A Revolution in Saudi Residency
The introduction of the Muqeem ID represents a essential shift in how Saudi Arabia manages its large expatriate population. The card provides a secure and official identity document, granting residents direct access to a wide range of digital services with ease. “This decision aims to reduce administrative burdens…while providing an official identity document,” a senior official stated.
The cost of the new card is 600 riyals for domestic workers and 500 riyals for other adult residents. This fee represents a one-time expense for five years of hassle-free residency status, a considerable improvement over the previous annual renewal system.
Streamlining Delivery and Expanding Access
To ensure residents receive their cards and crucial notices, registration with the Wasel postal service is required. Looking ahead, the system will expand in the coming year to allow companies to receive cards directly at their workplaces, further minimizing the need for individual visits to passport control.
This development positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in digital transformation within the Arab and Gulf region. Experts predict the new system will not only expedite residency procedures but also accelerate other government processes and substantially improve resident satisfaction.
“This puts saudi Arabia at the forefront…in terms of comprehensive digital transformation,” one analyst noted.
The Muqeem ID is a key component of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s aspiring plan for economic diversification and modernization. By embracing digital solutions, the Kingdom is working to create a more efficient and resident-amiable environment, fostering growth and innovation.
Why: The Saudi government launched the Muqeem ID to modernize its residency system,reduce administrative burdens for both residents and government agencies,and align with its Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and digitalization.
Who: The initiative was spearheaded by the General directorate of Saudi Passports and is impacting millions of expatriate residents in Saudi Arabia,and also domestic workers.
What: The muqeem ID is a digital residency card offering a five-year validity period, replacing the previous annual renewal system. It provides secure identification and access to digital government services. The card costs 600 riyals for domestic workers and 500 riyals for other adult residents.
How did it end?: The rollout of the Muqeem ID is ongoing, with the service currently optional but slated to become mandatory. Future plans include direct card delivery to workplaces via the Wasel postal service, further streamlining the process. The system is expected to significantly reduce wait times and improve resident satisfaction, marking a substantial shift in Saudi Arabia’s residency management.
