Smart ID cards for expats now available

The Ministry of Interior has made smart ID cards available for expatriates, allowing holders to access various government services, including the renewal of driving licenses and residence permits.

Non-Qatari residents can apply for the card at the Immigration Department in Al Gharafa beginning on May 18, and two weeks later at all MOI service centers.

While smart ID card is convenient for many things, it is not mandatory for expatriates, said senior officials at MOI. Users will be able to use the card to obtain exit permits and renew residence permits online for those sponsored by them. These services are useful for business owners and authorized representatives in commercial companies.

The new card comes with an electronic chip where personal data will be stored. The data can be accessed only by entering the personal identification number (PIN) or through fingerprint verification using MOI self-service machines.

Those holding a valid ID card can replace them with the smart card on request. They may also obtain a smart card while applying for a new card or while renewing the old card.

The minimum fee for a smart card is QR100, the same charged for the old ID cards. However, to access various electronic services, applicants should pay an extra QR250, which gives them access for up to three years, depending on the validity of the residence permit. The fee for replacing a lost or damaged card is fixed at QR200.

The smart ID card can also be used at the e-Gate at the Doha International Airport. Using the e-Gate card that is incorporated in the smart ID card, passengers may bypass the immigration formalities at the airport by punching their cards at the gate and pressing their index fingers on an electronic scanner.

To access e-Gate service through the ID card, applicants must pay a fee of QR100 for one year, QR150 for two years and QR200 for three years.

The applicant should specify the services they wish to access while applying for the card. Residents already holding an e-Gate card will be able to transfer the validity of their card to the new smart card.

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