The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its social welfare system, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launching impactful initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for all segments of society, especially senior citizens. The "Privilege Card" is one of the most prominent of these digital services, reflecting institutional appreciation for this valued group and granting them priority access to services.
General context: Elderly care in light of Vision 2030
These initiatives are rooted in a deep-seated cultural and religious heritage within Saudi society that emphasizes respect for elders. However, the fundamental shift lies in institutionalizing this respect within the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Vision programs, particularly the Quality of Life Program, aim to integrate senior citizens into society and empower them to easily access their rights. The launch of the Privilege Card is a practical step towards translating these policies into tangible reality, further solidifying the Kingdom's regional standing as a leading model in digital social welfare.
What is a privilege card and what are its main advantages?
The Excellence Card is a digital identity card that grants its holder a range of benefits in both the public and private sectors. The card automatically appears on the Ministry's official app and the "Tawakkalna" app, facilitating its use without the need to carry physical cards. Key benefits include:
- Priority service: Granting the cardholder the right to complete his transactions and receive services before others in government agencies, private institutions, and civil society organizations that are partners of the ministry.
- Special parking: Allocating nearby and convenient parking spaces for the elderly in service facilities to spare them the trouble of walking long distances.
- Comfortable waiting areas: Providing dedicated seating in the front rows and waiting areas to ensure their comfort while in the facilities.
Conditions for obtaining a privilege card
The Ministry of Human Resources has set two essential conditions for issuing the card and benefiting from its services, in order to ensure that support reaches those who deserve it accurately:
- The beneficiary must be a Saudi citizen.
- The beneficiary must be 60 years of age or older.
Digital inclusion and streamlined procedures
The ministry didn't stop at issuing the card; it also launched a "digital inclusion" service to bridge the technological gap that some senior citizens might face. This service allows elderly social security beneficiaries to request assistance from specialized teams to complete the registration process on their behalf. This step aims to eliminate the need to physically visit offices, saving them time and effort and protecting their health.
Expected local and social impact
The activation of the Privilege Card is expected to enhance the independence of senior citizens, empowering them to meet their needs with dignity and ease. This initiative also encourages the private sector to offer competitive services and services to this demographic, fostering a more age-friendly community environment. The Ministry regularly monitors user satisfaction and develops services based on statistical data and usage patterns to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of these digital services.
