As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's rapid digital transformation, and in line with the goals of Vision 2030 aimed at automating government services and facilitating the lives of beneficiaries, the Ministry of Interior continues to develop its electronic services through the "Absher" platform. The service for updating the personal photo on a resident's ID is one of the most prominent services that saves time and effort, allowing residents to complete this procedure electronically without needing to visit passport offices, reflecting the significant development in the Kingdom's digital infrastructure.
The importance of the service and its technical context
The Absher platform, the technological arm of the Ministry of Interior, has revolutionized the way services are provided to citizens and residents. The photo update service is particularly significant because it utilizes artificial intelligence to instantly verify that photos meet the required standards and specifications, thus reducing human error and expediting transactions. This approach not only benefits individuals but also helps alleviate congestion in government offices and enhance administrative efficiency.
Steps to update your profile picture via Absher
Residents can benefit from this service and update their personal photos in passport records easily and conveniently through the "Absher" application by following these steps:
- Log in to the Absher platform application via smartphone.
- Go to the "My Services" tab.
- Select "Services" then "Passports".
- Click on the "Update Resident Photo" option.
- Upload the new photo according to the specified conditions, and wait for electronic approval.
Terms and conditions for an acceptable image
To ensure that the update request is accepted and not rejected by the automated system, the platform has set a number of strict conditions that must be observed when capturing and uploading the image:
- Lighting and background: The background of the image should be completely white without any shadows, with good lighting that clearly shows the facial features.
- Head position: For men, the head must be uncovered, and the gaze must be directed straight towards the camera.
- Quality and dimensions: The image must be of high resolution and have consistent dimensions that conform to international standards for official documents.
- Free from effects: The use of filters or modifications that alter the natural features of the face is prohibited, as is the presence of any additions (such as sunglasses).
These images are automatically checked using artificial intelligence algorithms, and if they meet the specifications, they are approved and updated in the central system.
Resident ID delivery service
As part of its suite of e-services, the Absher platform also offers a service for delivering residency permits (Iqamas) after issuance or renewal, particularly for domestic workers, via Saudi Post's "Subul" service. This service can be requested through:
- Via the website: Log in to Absher > Labor > Resident Services > Request for delivery of resident ID.
- Via the app: Log in to the app > My Workers > Resident ID Delivery.
These services confirm the Kingdom’s commitment to providing an easy working and living environment for residents, relying on the latest technologies to ensure accuracy and speed in completion.
