Ministry of Interior Launches Smart Identity Cards For Expatriates

Doha, May 17 (QNA) - Smart Identity Card with data chip "that will make availing e-services an efficient and pleasant experience" was launched Tuesday for foreign nationals living and working here in Qatar.
Speaking at the press conference, held here at the Media Centre of the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) to announce the launch of the Smart Identity Card, MoI Information Systems Department Brigadier Saleh Khamis Ghanim Al Kubaisi said, "The card will be optional for expatriates since the main objective besides the identity of the holder is availing e-services."
Assistant Director of Borders, Passport and Expatriate Affairs Brigadier Mohammed Al Atiq and Systems Director for Public Relations Department Lt Col Mohammed Majid Al Sulaiti also shared details of the new card to the media.
The smart card, valid for three terms one, two and three years priced at QR 100, 200 and 250 respectively, will be available at the service centre of the Immigration Department for two week and subsequently at all centres, officials said.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Brigadier Al Kubaisi said, "The Smart ID Card project costing approximately QR 40 Million was developed by the ministry along with local companies who have technology collaboration with foreign companies."
"Expatriates currently using E-Gate card for departure and arrival at the Doha International Airport can transfer the validity of their card to the new smart card," said Brigadier Al Kubaisi, replying to a question on the status of existing E-Gate card holders.
"We are in talks with airport authorities for the smooth transition E-Gate card validity to the smart card," he added.
Regarding integration of personal data of foreigners living and working here with health services, Brigadier Al Kubaisi said, "We are co-coordinating with the Ministry of Health, but nothing has been fianlised. A committee set up for the purpose is looking into the integration of health data into the smart card. Eventually all data will be on the smart card to avail all services."
"The sponsor's identity card need not be submitted if the manager of a private company has the required authority to issue permits to expatriate staff to exit Qatar," an official from the Public Relations department told QNA regarding issuing exit permits.
The Smart Identity Card is optional for expatriate and for residents it is not, officials said.