A major change in how residency services are delivered has now begun in Saudi Arabia with the launch of a new five year Resident ID system.
The new system replaces the old annual Iqama renewal process with a single card valid for five years and a fully digital renewal process. Officials say this will sharply reduce visits to passport and residency offices for more than thirteen million residents. Most services will now move to the Absher and e services platforms.
Under the new policy, residents will no longer need to stand in long lines every year to renew their documents. Instead, they will receive a five year ID and complete all renewals online through Absher. Reports estimate that this will remove tens of millions of yearly visits to government counters and save both residents and the economy significant time and cost. Local coverage mentions a one time fee of around five hundred Saudi Riyals for adults and six hundred Saudi Riyals for domestic workers, replacing repeated yearly payments.
Absher remains the backbone of this shift. It is the official digital platform operated by the Ministry of Interior and connects more than three hundred fifty government services in one place. Through Absher, users can renew residency permits, update personal details, pay government fees, book appointments, track applications, and receive official documents at their registered postal address. The platform works on both web and mobile apps and handles millions of transactions each day.
Under the new system, residents will apply for and manage their five year ID through Absher and other linked government platforms. The new ID will serve as a trusted digital identity for official transactions and verifications. Authorities have also asked residents to register their postal address through the Wasil or Wasil Digital mail service to ensure safe delivery of the physical card.
This shift is a key part of Saudi Arabia Vision two thousand thirty plan to modernize government services and become a global digital leader. By removing the yearly renewal cycle, the government expects to cut nearly sixty five million visits to public offices over the next five years. Experts also estimate that the move could save over two point six billion Saudi Riyals by reducing wasted time and improving productivity.
Dr. Khalid, a digital government expert, praised the move and called it a “qualitative leap, like moving from using copper coins to adopting bank cards.”
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
