Steps to update educational qualifications via Absher 2024 and conditions for changing name

As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts towards comprehensive digital transformation and streamlining government procedures for citizens and residents, the Ministry of Interior's Civil Status Agency has outlined details of its service updating educational qualifications through the "Absher" electronic platform. This step is part of a package of digital services aimed at saving time and effort and reducing the need to visit government offices, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for developing e-government.

Steps to update your educational qualification via Absher

The Civil Status Department confirmed that the process of updating educational qualifications is done electronically and instantly, with data being directly linked to the highest qualification registered in the Ministry of Education's systems. To complete this process, the beneficiary must follow these steps:

• Log in to the "Absher" electronic platform.
• Go to the My Services .
• Civil Status Selection .
• Click on the educational qualification update service .

This service is of great importance to citizens, as the accuracy of educational qualifications in official records is essential for applying for government jobs, promotions, and benefiting from various support programs that require accurate and up-to-date data.

Absher reports available for printing

The platform's services were not limited to updates only; "Absher" also specified 7 types of reports that users can view and print for use in various official procedures, namely:

1. Personal Data Report (My Report).
2. Family member data report.
3. Report on registered vehicles.
4. Traffic violation report.
5. Traffic accident report.
6. Travel log data report.
7. Domestic worker report.

Personal photo requirements for national ID renewal

In a related context, the Ministry of Interior's Civil Status Agency emphasized the technical standards for personal photographs when renewing national identity cards to ensure application acceptance. These conditions are summarized as follows:

• The background should be completely white.
• The photo must be recent (no more than 6 months have passed since it was taken).
• Clear facial features, free from exaggerated expressions or cosmetics that alter the features.
• The image should be free of any ink stains, holes, or technical defects.
• Take the picture straight ahead, avoiding red-eye caused by the camera flash reflection.

First name change service: conditions and procedure

On another note, the Civil Status Department highlighted the service for changing first names via the Absher platform. This service is available to citizens to change their own names or the names of family members (those under 18 years of age). This service is completely free for all citizens.

Timeframe for implementation

• Immediate: If the new name is already identified within the lists of names approved by the Civil Status Department.
• 5 working days: If the name is not identified, it requires review and approval.

Terms and conditions for changing the name

The system allows the user to change their first name a maximum of twice, provided that the second change is solely to revert to the previous name. Other conditions include:

• The new name complies with approved name registration standards (such as not violating Sharia or public taste).
• The new name must not be identical to the name of a living first-degree relative (father, mother, siblings).
• The consent of both parents is required when changing the name of minor children (under 18 years old), unless one of them is deceased.
• The beneficiary's record is free of any other name change requests that are being processed at the same time.