DOHA: The Ministry of Interior has issued 47,542 smart ID cards to expatriates since its launch on May 18 until June 26, a senior official of the Ministry has said.
More than 1,000 cards with activated electronic chips were also issued during the period which allow the holders to use various Ministry services online.
The smart ID card has not been made mandatory for expatriates. Residents can use the card to obtain exit permits and renew residence permits online for those sponsored by them.
The new card will be helpful to owners and authorised representatives of companies to complete the visa and residence permit procedures for their workers and to obtain exit permits, Assistant Director of Borders, Passport and Expatriate Affairs Brigadier Mohammed Al Atiq told Qatar News Agency (QNA).
Exit permits will be issued online but as for residence permits, the user will have to go to any of the service centres of the Ministry to collect the stickers after they pay the fee online.
The fee for a normal card is QR100. To avail of the various electronic services, the applicant should pay QR250 for a period of up to three years, depending on the validity of the residence permit. The smart ID card can also be used at the e-Gate available at the Doha International Airport for which the applicant must pay a fee of QR100 for one year, QR150 for two years and QR200 for three years.
© The Peninsula 2011
