The Ministry of Interior has launched a new app, Qatar Digital ID Card, to provide an easy way to access electronic services on their website.
During the 14th Milipol Qatar 2022 in May 2022, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) launched the Qatar Digital ID (QDI) Card application with an aim to reduce identity theft crimes in cyberspace.
The new digital application service is available for iOS users, and will include all cards issued by MOI, including your Qatari ID, driving licence, and car licence. In addition, it will provide storage and accessibility services for other official cards, and electronically signed and sealed transactions for individuals at MOI. QDI offers the highest degree of confidence for users to obtain their digital identity securely and easily, and it contributes to reducing identity theft crimes in cyberspace.
Face recognition has been introduced and stored in MOI’s system as a core factor in creating a digital identity, to document the authenticity and validity of the ID of the person. In addition, it ensures the protection of online transactions and solidifies the concept of secure cyberspace.
The identity of the user has also been created, upgraded and linked to a distinctive electronic signature of the person, which includes national digital certificates that can be further utilised by the user via the same application, to approve electronic transactions in compliance with the enforced regulations and legislations in the State of Qatar for the sake of protecting these transactions against fraud.
The new service provides a practical and reliable process to promote confidence in online or electronic transactions both locally and globally. In addition, electronic seals have been introduced to primarily enable MOI and other affiliated authorities in Qatar to electronically seal their documents and protect them against forgery and tampering. In addition, it helps find easier ways to access copies of official documents to compare documents that have been authenticated through certification and electronic stamping services from the Ministry of Interior’s website.
The programme will positively contribute in the integration of various digital systems in a more secure and easy way, in addition to maintaining confidentiality and security in the area of sharing and transmitting electronic information.
MOI aspires to protect a user’s privacy within its national programme that applies maximum security in electronic transactions and international standards through offering accessibility to the electronic government services in a more secure and efficient way.
This step comes in the framework of MOI to offer cutting edge and distinguished services for Qatari and non-Qatar users. In addition, it also offers a significant contribution in the national digital transformation and automation systems among all ministries and authorities in the State of Qatar within the persistent efforts aimed at achieving the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Currently on Metrash2, there is a digital wallet feature where you can find a digital copy of your ID card, driving licence, vehicle registration and other necessary documents.
New e-services on Metrash2
At Milipol 2022, MOI also launched 17 new e-services on Metrash2. The newly added Metrash2 e-services include six services related to residence permits, which previously required visiting the Expatriate Affairs Department. Now, they can be submitted through Metrash2. The new services are:
Residency Services
• Applications for renewal of residence permits (RP): Receiving applications for renewing an RP that require approval from Expatriate Affairs Department for various reasons such as restricted period, age and more.
• Applications for changing passport details: That require approval from Expatriate Affairs Department for various reasons such as restrictions on the person and passports with accompanying persons.
• Applications for issuing RP: That require approval from Expatriate Affairs Department for various reasons such as passport expiry, fingerprint issues, medical test issues, etc.
• Applications for RP cancellation: That require approval from Expatriate Affairs Department for various reasons such as vehicle ownership, employing/hosting expatriating, etc.
• Applications for reducing residence violation fines: Receiving applications for reducing fines imposed on expatriates that requires approval from the Expatriates Affairs Department.
• Tracking applications for residence services: To know their status and options to complete the application from the same screen.
Services of search and follow up department
• Complaints of leaving employment: The employer or the authorised person can submit a complaint against the employee who obtained his residence permit and left the work without any legal justification.
• Financial claims (fines): This service allows the person’s employers or companies to pay overstay fines, including fines for overstaying of persons required to leave the country.
• Financial claims (tickets): This service allows the employer to pay the amount of travel tickets previously paid by the Ministry of Interior to ensure the quick departure of a person who is urgently required to leave the country. Personal or corporate employers of the departing employee can pay it after ensuring that the employee has left the country.
• Visa purpose violation complaint: The employer or an authorised person can submit a complaint against an employee who did not complete the residency permit (visa) procedures and left employment without any legal justification.
• Witness approval: This service allows the employer or an authorised person to add witnesses to the complaints of an employee leaving and/or violating employment contract.
Applications for Recruitment Approval
• Applications for approval of domestic worker recruitment by Qataris: This service allows Qatari citizens to get approval for recruiting domestic workers after presenting a detailed list of domestic workers at the time of application. If all the conditions are met, instant approval will be granted, or the application will be referred to the relevant committee, if the requirements have not been met.
• Applications for approval of domestic worker recruitment by non-Qatari residents: This service allows expatriate residents to get approval for recruiting domestic workers. If all the conditions are met, the application will be referred to the relevant committee to look into it.
• Tracking recruitment approval applications: This service allows applicants to track and follow up on the status of recruitment approval applications by uploading additional requirements if asked by the relevant committee to do so.
Establishment Card Services
• Issuing establishment card: The authorised person in the commercial register can get the establishment card issued electronically, whether for the main office or its branches, as per the required conditions.
• Cancellation of establishment card: The authorised person in the commercial register can cancel the establishment card electronically, provided that there are no pending services on it, such as valid residence permits, visas and vehicle.
Al Adeid Reporting Service (Communicate with us – Preventive Security)
This service aims to communicate with members of society, and receive information and complaints regarding public morals:
• Wrong behaviour
• Threatening incidents
• Administrative corruption
• Violations in tourist destinations
• To take necessary measures in coordination with relevant authorities
Author: Ola Diab
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