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Smart ID Card facility embraced by Qataris
The introduction of Smart ID Cards for travel to Saudi Arabia has been welcomed by Qataris. Beginning Friday, both the countries have permitted their nationals to travel using their national Smart ID cards.
The Qataris, who have used the facility, say that the travel procedures involving Smart ID Cards are far easier than passports, saving time on emigration formalities, and also one need not wait for hours in front of emigration offices.
The decision was arrived upon following an agreement between the two countries during a consultative meet held between the GCC Interior Ministers of both countries in Doha on 14th May.
The agreement confirms that Smart ID Card will now be the official document to travel between the countries. The emigration officers can get all required data about any passenger by just swiping the card on the electronic machines positioned at borders.
A number of brochures and leaflets have already been released by the Interior Ministry to educate the general public regarding the transactions using Smart ID Cards.
A similar agreement was also signed by Saudi Arabia and UAE last year. The GCC officials are of the opinion that such agreements would help in strengthening ties between the Gulf nationals, integrating trade exchange, economy, social and cultural ties and tourist activities.
All GCC countries have now agreed that their citizens need not depend on passport for travel between member countries and can instead use the Smart ID Card. These cards also help in availing services such as residence permits renewal, driving license, sponsorship transfer, health cards, and exit visa.
The cards are priced anywhere between QR100 and QR700, depending on the number of services required. The Interior Ministry has revealed that arrangements would also be made to issue these cards to expatriates.
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