Oman became the first Arab country to introduce a machine-read smart card with stored thumb-print when the country's first ID card was issued in His Majesty Sultan Qaboos's name at a function held here on Saturday.
The first card numbered 00000001 contained Sultan Qaboos's picture date of birth, place of birth and his signature.
The Civil Status department began issuing the new cards to citizens from their office in Seeb yesterday. "In the initial phase the new ID cards would be issued only in Muscat," Colonel Dr. Suleiman bin Mohammed Al Harthy, Director General of Civil Status, said.
Under the new Civil Status law, every citizen would be provided with a machine-read smart card, which will store thumbprint and serve as a personal identity for Omani nationals as well as expatriates in the country.
"Once the new system is fully operational, the residents of Oman would be able to exit and enter the country without having to wait in queues for processing passports," Col Dr Al Harthy had said in an earlier interview with Gulf News.
The Smart Card would have to be swiped at the time of entering or exiting the country. "If there's any adverse report against an individual the card won't work."
Colonel Dr Al Harthy added that they would work with the Ministry of Manpower to merge the two identity cards.
"Once everyone has the Smart Card there won't be any need for another labour card." He pointed out that it would work as a multi-purpose card and as an identity card and driving licence for bank dealings and at border outlets.
Since every detail of birth, marriage, divorce and death will be included, the Civil Status department has assured all residents of Oman that privacy and secrecy of an individual's personal details would be strictly guarded.
Dispelling doubts about the task of civilian registration given to the Royal Oman Police, Colonel Dr Al Harthy said: "We (ROP) have a good record of providing services to the residents of Oman. Moreover, the police department is spread across the country and has wider reach."
The existing card has been updated into a new smart, multi-purpose card with an inbuilt electronic chip containing basic data of the holder, their photo and signature. The holder's data in the chip is confidential and cannot be seen or reviewed except by those authorised.
The card also contains the holder's civil number, civil register data, passport number, and address and driving licence.
The ROP has set up 12 civil status stations in the different regions for registration purpose. The civil status station will open on January 24 in Salalah and other stations will open following the Eid Al Adha holidays. The stations will be opened in Sur, Nizwa, Ibri, Sumayil, Sohar, Haima, Khasab and Rostaq.
The ID card is compulsory for citizens older than 15 and residents working in the public and private sectors and their family members above 15 years of age.
Lieutenant-General Hilal bin Khalid Al Ma'awali, Inspector-General of Police and Customs, said: "The Royal Omani Police has developed the modern identity card which will open future horizons. Using the best international technological system, new features can be added to the card in the future to suit the development stages of the country."
Gulf News
