As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's rapid digital transformation under Vision 2030, the Ministry of Interior continues to develop its electronic services through the "Absher" platform, streamlining procedures for citizens, residents, and visitors. The Absher platform is now the backbone of digital government services in the Kingdom, having moved transactions from traditional in-person centers to the digital realm, thus saving time and effort and enhancing the efficiency of government performance.
Visitor Report Issuance Service via Absher
The Absher platform recently launched a new service enabling citizens, residents, and visitors to issue and print a "Visitor Report" containing the visitor's basic information electronically, eliminating the need to visit passport offices. This step aims to enhance transparency and streamline official procedures that may require this type of document.
Steps to implement the service:
- Log in to the beneficiary's account on the Absher electronic platform.
- Click on the "My Services" tab.
- Select "Public Services" from the menu.
- Click on the "Absher Reports" option.
- Select the "Visitor Report" service, then follow the instructions to generate and print the report.
Resident Length of Stay Report and Available Reports
The services were not limited to visitors; they also included residents through the "Resident's Length of Stay Report" service, which details the periods of time a resident has spent in the Kingdom. This service can be accessed via the same path (My Services > Public Services > Absher Reports).
The platform has clarified through its official channels that there are 7 main reports that users can review and print for use in official procedures, namely:
- My report (comprehensive personal data).
- Family member data report.
- Vehicle report.
- Traffic violation report.
- Traffic accident report.
- Travel log data report.
- Domestic worker report.
Civil Status Updates: ID and Name Change
On another note, and within the civil status services listed in Absher, precise controls have been set for renewing national identity card photos to ensure their electronic acceptance, as it was stipulated that the background be white, recent (not exceeding 6 months), free of expressions and makeup, and without light reflections (red eyes).
The platform also simplified the process of changing the first name of citizens or their children (under 18 years old). This service is free and immediate if the new name is already registered in the civil registry, while it takes five working days if the name is not. The system allows a maximum of two first name changes, provided the second change reverts to the previous name, there are no pending applications, and parental consent is required for minors.
The importance and impact of these services
This expansion of Absher services reflects the Kingdom's commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens and residents. From an economic and administrative perspective, these services contribute to reducing the operational costs of government offices, eliminating overcrowding, and providing beneficiaries with greater flexibility in managing their personal and official affairs around the clock and from anywhere.
