Comprehensive Report on Absher Platform

1. Executive Summary

Absher platform is the comprehensive electronic gateway for the services of the Ministry of Interior and its sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This platform aims to facilitate the completion of government transactions for citizens, residents, and visitors electronically, directly contributing to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for digital transformation and enhancing the quality of services. The platform offers over 330 electronic and inquiry services, reducing the need to visit government offices and saving users time and effort. Absher's role extends beyond merely providing convenient services; it represents a fundamental pillar in the Kingdom's strategy towards an integrated and efficient digital government, enhancing efficiency and reducing human errors.

2. Introduction to Absher Platform

2.1. What is Absher Platform?

Absher platform is the official electronic platform for providing services of the Saudi Ministry of Interior and all its various sectors. These sectors include the General Directorate of Passports, Civil Affairs, Saudi Traffic, Public Security, Police, General Directorate of Prisons, in addition to the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. The platform allows beneficiaries to complete a wide range of government transactions digitally, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to digital government transformation.

Absher is characterized by its comprehensiveness, offering over 330 electronic and inquiry services, making it a central point of contact for most daily government dealings. Absher application services are regularly updated by the National Information Center, ensuring continuous improvement and expansion of the services provided. The platform and its applications support both Arabic and English languages to meet the needs of its diverse user base. It is available via an electronic portal and smartphone applications running on "Android" and "iOS" systems.

2.2. Platform Objectives

Absher is considered one of the most important contributors to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, especially concerning digital transformation and enhancing the quality of government services provided to citizens and residents, and improving the visitor experience in the Kingdom. This transformation aims to simplify government procedures and make them more efficient and transparent.

The platform aims to improve the experience of citizens, residents, and visitors by providing electronic services within an integrated system, saving time and effort, reducing bureaucratic procedures, and contributing to the elimination of paper usage. This trend towards digital decentralization contributes to building a more efficient and effective digital government, where transactions can be completed without the need to visit service centers. Furthermore, reliance on automation and providing clear data entry forms reduces the likelihood of human errors in transactions compared to traditional manual methods. This development not only enhances the operational efficiency of government agencies but also reflects a national commitment to building a strong digital infrastructure that supports comprehensive development and makes government services more accessible and reliable for all beneficiaries.

3. Absher Beneficiaries

Absher platform serves a wide range of beneficiaries, divided into main categories and special target groups, to ensure digital services are accessible to everyone.

3.1. Main Categories

• Citizens, Residents, and Visitors: The Absher platform is designed to serve all these categories, making it a digital meeting point to meet their government needs.

• Absher Individuals: This part of the platform provides services tailored for citizens, residents, and visitors in their personal and family matters, such as renewing documents and managing vehicles.

• Absher Business: This section is dedicated to providing electronic services for individual establishments and business owners, making it easier for them to manage their workforce affairs and commercial transactions.

• Absher Government: This part provides services for government sector employees, enhancing the efficiency of internal operations for government entities.

3.2. Special Target Groups

The platform pays special attention to certain segments of society to ensure inclusivity and accessibility of services:

• Mothers and Newborns: Absher provides vital services for this group, such as issuing family registers for mothers and registering newborns electronically. These services include automatic updating of family register data after newborn registration, and delivery of documents (birth certificate and updated family register) via the national address, eliminating the need to visit civil affairs offices.

• Pilgrims (Hujjaj): Absher offers important services for pilgrims, such as inquiring about eligibility to perform Hajj, which allows beneficiaries to confirm that they have not performed Hajj in the past five years, a prerequisite for performing Hajj. The platform also allows electronic printing of Hajj permits for the pilgrim himself, his family members, and his employees.

• Seniors and People with Disabilities: Absher demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity by providing smart tools and special assistance for these groups to ensure ease of platform use. For example, the personal assistant service for people with disabilities is divided into two sections:

  • Support for the Deaf and Mute: Allows them to benefit from a sign language guide that explains the services provided by the platform and the steps to execute them.

  • Support for the Blind: Enables them to perform some Absher platform services using Artificial Intelligence (NLP) technology via an interactive interface that allows voice commands, or selection from a menu in the application.

This focus on special target groups, and the provision of advanced technological solutions such as AI to support the visually impaired, reflects a deep commitment to making digital services accessible to all segments of society, regardless of their physical abilities. This comprehensive approach not only expands the user base but also enhances the social impact of digital transformation, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in this transformation, reinforcing the government's commitment to social welfare and equal access to public services.

4. How to Register and Activate an Absher Account

To benefit from the electronic services provided by the Absher platform, beneficiaries must register and activate their accounts.

4.1. Steps to Register as a New User

The registration process begins by clicking on the "New User" link available at the top of the Absher platform's main page. After that, the user is asked to enter basic data, which includes the national ID number for citizens or the Iqama number for residents. It is important to note that registration requires the applicant to have an independent national ID or Iqama. If an attempt to register results in a message indicating that the ID number is already registered, the user should not register again, but rather reset their password for their existing account.

4.2. Account Activation Channels

After completing the initial registration process, account activation becomes necessary for full access to Absher services. The platform offers several channels for account activation to ensure flexibility and convenience for users:

• Bank Account: Beneficiaries can activate their accounts through the electronic banking services of approved banks. This method provides easy activation from anywhere without the need to visit government entities.

• Self-Service Devices: Absher self-service devices are available at multiple locations throughout the Kingdom and can be used to complete the activation process. If fingerprint acceptance fails through these devices, the user can consult activation staff.

• Passport and Civil Affairs Staff: Users can visit the offices of the General Directorate of Passports or Civil Affairs to complete the activation process with the assistance of specialized staff.

4.3. Mobile Number Update

After registration and account activation, the beneficiary may need to update the mobile number associated with their account. The Absher platform allows this service electronically directly through the bank's website, eliminating the need to visit branches. In some cases, if the update cannot be done through the bank, the user can visit self-service devices or activation staff to update the mobile number. It is important to note that one mobile number cannot be linked to more than one Absher account, as each account must have its own unique mobile number.

5. Integration with Other Government Platforms: Tawakkalna and NAFATH

The Absher platform is distinguished by its close integration with the Kingdom's digital government services ecosystem, which enhances the user experience and provides a unified digital environment.

5.1. Absher and Tawakkalna

Absher platform is an integral part of the Kingdom's digital verification system, clearly demonstrated by its integration with the Tawakkalna application. Absher provides the "Define Mobile Number for Tawakkalna Application" service. This service is specifically designed for beneficiaries (citizens, residents, visitors) who wish to register in the Tawakkalna application but do not have a verified Absher account.

The steps to define a mobile number for the Tawakkalna application via Absher are as follows:

1. Log in to the Absher platform website.

2. Select "My Services."

3. Select "Services."

4. Select "General Services."

5. Select "Define Mobile Number for Tawakkalna Application."

6. Enter the data of the user to be defined and their mobile number.

7. Confirm the data and submit the request.

The mobile number to be defined must be linked to the user's own identity, and this service cannot be used to define the mobile number of the applicant themselves. Additionally, the beneficiary must have a digital identity on the Absher platform, and the ID number of the user to be defined must be available. Furthermore, the Tawakkalna application provides the "Tawakkalna Code" service, an electronic service for secure data sharing, where the user can generate a temporary code that grants access to their personal information without the need to share their ID number, date of birth, or mobile number. This integration reflects the government's commitment to providing seamless and secure digital services, enhancing trust in electronic transactions.

5.2. Absher and NAFATH

The NAFATH platform is the unified national digital access gateway, and activating the digital identity originating from Absher via the NAFATH application enhances the security and ease of access to various government services. The steps to activate the digital identity originating from Absher via the NAFATH application are as follows:

1. Open the NAFATH application and click on "Settings."

2. Select "Activate Digital Identity originating from Absher."

3. Enter the ID number and password for the Absher account.

4. Enter the verification code sent to the mobile phone registered in Absher.

5. Answer the verification question, which serves as an additional verification method.

6. View the instructions for capturing biometric features to start the verification process.

7. Automatically capture fingerprint images and complete the verification process.

8. Wait for the fingerprint verification process to complete.

9. Complete the activation of the digital identity originating from Absher.

This integration illustrates how Absher functions as a digital identity verification hub, enabling users secure and efficient access to a wide range of government services across multiple platforms. This process enhances the cybersecurity of government services and facilitates citizens and residents in completing their transactions without the need for multiple visits or complex paper procedures.

6. Services Provided via Absher Platform (Individuals)

Absher for individuals offers a wide and diverse range of electronic services covering various aspects of daily life for citizens, residents, and visitors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These services exceed 330 electronic and inquiry services. These services can be categorized into several main sectors:

6.1. Passport Services

Passport services are among the most prominent services offered by Absher, and they include:

• Issuing and Renewing Passports: Enabling citizens or their guardians to issue or renew passports for themselves or family members electronically.

• Issuing and Cancelling Exit/Re-entry and Final Exit Visas: This service allows for the electronic issuance and cancellation of exit/re-entry or final exit visas for family members or domestic workers.

• Updating Passport Information: Enabling beneficiaries to update their passport information for residents or family members.

• Dropping an Exited and Not Returned Worker: This service allows the employer to electronically drop a worker who has exited and not returned.

• Absher Travel: An optional service to enable travelers to create a travel request through the Absher (Individuals) application, and allows the vehicle owner or authorized driver to complete travel procedures via King Fahd Causeway.

• Tawasul Service: Enables beneficiaries to submit requests for transactions that could not be completed electronically, without the need to visit Passport Department offices.

• Appointment Booking: Allows individuals to book appointments at the General Directorate of Passports offices.

6.2. Traffic Services

Absher covers a comprehensive range of traffic services to facilitate vehicle procedures and driving licenses:

• Renewing Driving Licenses: Enabling individuals to renew their driving licenses electronically with ease and speed, without the need to visit traffic offices, saving time and effort.

• Renewing Vehicle Registration (Istimara): Allows the beneficiary to renew vehicle registration electronically.

• Issuing Vehicle Repair Permit: Enables individuals to apply for a vehicle repair permit electronically.

• Vehicle Ownership Transfer: Allows individuals to transfer vehicle ownership between family members electronically, as well as sell vehicles and transfer their ownership.

• Objecting to Traffic Violations: This service enables objecting to traffic violations issued by the General Directorate of Traffic and any other authorized entity applying the traffic law and its executive regulations.

• Reporting Vehicle or Plate Theft: Allows individuals to electronically report stolen vehicles or lost plates.

• Plate Auction: Allows bidding on distinctive vehicle plates.

• Viewing Approved Vehicle Scrapping Centers: To identify approved centers for scrapping abandoned and damaged vehicles.

6.3. Civil Affairs Services

Absher provides a range of civil affairs-related services to facilitate personal and family procedures:

• Renewing National ID: Allows the beneficiary to renew their national ID electronically using facial recognition technology, with the option to deliver the document to the registered national address.

• Issuing Family Register (for Mothers): Allows newly married Saudi women to request the issuance of a family register electronically.

• Newborn Registration: Enables electronic registration of newborns and requesting the issuance of a family register and birth certificate, with document delivery via the national address.

• Issuing Replacement for Damaged/Lost ID: Allows the beneficiary to electronically report a lost ID and issue a replacement for a lost or damaged ID.

• Appointment Booking: Enables the beneficiary to book a new appointment or modify a previous appointment to visit civil affairs offices.

• Modifying Educational Qualification: Allows the beneficiary to submit requests for modifying educational qualifications electronically.

• Electronic Identification Service: Enables parents to identify their children without the need to visit a civil affairs office, saving time and effort and eliminating delays in ID issuance.

• Linking Children's Records to Parents' Records, Correcting Marital Status, and Modifying English Name: Part of civil registry services.

6.4. General and Diverse Services

In addition to the services mentioned above, Absher offers a range of general services that serve all beneficiaries:

• Digital Documents: Allows citizens and residents to view their digital documents through the platform.

• Password Reset: Enables individuals to reset their account passwords.

• Inquiring about General Violations: A service through which citizens and residents can view electronically registered violations by participating government entities.

• Absher Services Authorization: Enables registered and activated individuals on the Absher platform to issue or cancel authorization for another user (authorized person) to use specific services in Absher electronically.

• Inquiring about Travel Restrictions and Service Provision: This service enables individuals to inquire about existing travel restrictions and service provisions registered against them, and to view their details.

• Personal Assistant Service for People with Disabilities: Provides smart tools to support the deaf, mute, and visually impaired in performing their services with ease and convenience.

• Sector Review Authorization: Enables individuals to authorize others to review a sector and perform transactions on their behalf.

• Absher Reports: A service that enables citizens and residents to issue and view several reports electronically by beneficiary entities.

• Address Modification: To add or update the national address for use in VAT invoices by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and for delivery of government documents or requests made through the Absher platform.

• Inquiring about Remaining Service Payment Balance: Enables individuals to inquire about their remaining service payment balance.

This comprehensive list demonstrates that Absher is not just a portal for a single service, but an integrated system aimed at digitizing all essential government interactions for individuals, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing smart and convenient government services.

Table 1: Summary of Absher Individuals Services by Sector (Selected Examples):

7. Difference Between Absher Business and Muqeem: Comparative Analysis

Both Absher Business and Muqeem are vital electronic systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to facilitate government transactions for the private sector. While there are similarities in some of the services provided, the fundamental differences lie in the target audience and the scope of operations.

7.1. Absher Business

• Definition: It is an electronic platform dedicated to providing services for individual establishments and business owners. It is designed to meet the needs of the business sector, saving time and effort and reducing reliance on paper transactions or visiting official entities.

• Target Audience: Absher Business targets individual establishments with a total workforce of no more than 100 workers.

• Key Services: Absher Business enables establishment owners to perform a wide range of services related to their resident workers, including:

  • Issuing and renewing Iqamas for residents affiliated with the establishment.

  • Transferring services of residents affiliated with the establishment.

  • Issuing and cancelling exit/re-entry and final exit visas.

  • Modifying professions for sponsored individuals.

  • Document delivery services.

  • Authorizing others to use Absher Business to perform services on behalf of the employer.

• Cost: Absher Business service is not entirely free. It requires an annual subscription, and additional fees may be imposed on some specific services completed through the platform, such as Iqama issuance or renewal fees. Annual fees vary depending on the size of the establishment; for example, for medium-sized establishments (10-99 workers), fees may reach approximately 1650 Saudi Riyals, and for large establishments (more than 100 workers), fees may amount to approximately 3000 Saudi Riyals.

7.2. Muqeem

• Definition: It is a specialized electronic service related to the public and private sectors, offering many services related to resident affairs.

• Target Audience: Muqeem service targets establishments with 100 or more workers under their sponsorship, as well as all companies regardless of their workforce size.

• Key Services: Muqeem portal offers over 20 electronic services, and its services are largely similar to Absher Business, but it is designed to handle larger numbers of workers. These services include:

  • Issuing and renewing Iqamas.

  • Issuing and cancelling exit/re-entry and final exit visas.

  • Transferring services and modifying professions.

  • Generating reports related to the establishment and resident data.

  • Creating authorizations.

• Cost: Muqeem service relies on an annual subscription system and is available in two main packages:

  • Muqeem Operations Package: Allows for a limited number of electronic operations.

  • Muqeem Comprehensive Package: Allows for an unlimited number of inquiry operations and electronic transactions.

7.3. Key Similarities and Differences

Absher Business and Muqeem share the general goal of digitizing passport and expatriate affairs services for establishments. There is significant similarity in the basic services offered by both platforms, such as the ability to perform all services related to the General Directorate of Passports, and the ability to renew Iqamas, transfer sponsorships, and modify professions, in addition to visa services (re-entry, exit, final exit).

However, the fundamental difference lies in the target audience and the size of the establishments each platform serves. Absher Business is aimed at individual establishments with a smaller workforce (less than 100 workers), while Muqeem service targets companies of all sizes and individual establishments with 100 or more workers. This precise distinction in the target audience indicates that each platform is designed to meet the needs of a specific business sector, ensuring the provision of specialized and efficient services that align with the size and nature of the establishment. Although both platforms offer essentially similar services, the differentiation in subscription terms and target workforce numbers reflects a strategy to segment the market and provide tailored solutions for each segment.

Table 2: Comparison Between Absher Business and Muqeem:

8. Frequently Asked Questions about Absher Platform

This section provides answers to some common questions that beneficiaries may have about the Absher platform, helping to clarify procedures and overcome common obstacles:

• How can I register for Absher?

  You can register for Absher through the Ministry of Interior website or through self-service devices. The process begins by clicking "New User" and entering your ID or Iqama number.

• How can I activate my Absher account?

  Accounts can be activated through several options: self-service devices, activation staff at Passports and Civil Affairs offices, or through approved banks.

• Can I register a mobile number to be linked to more than one Absher account?

  No, each account must have its own unique mobile number.

• I want to update my mobile number in my Absher account, what should I do?

  You can update your mobile number electronically directly through the bank's website, without the need to visit branches. If that is not possible, you can visit self-service devices or activation staff.

• What should I do if I lose my password?

  You can reset your password through the Absher platform. The steps include entering your ID number and registered mobile number, then answering a secret verification question.

• Do I need to register again to use Absher Business if I have an Absher Individuals account?

  No, if you have an active Absher Individuals account, you can use the same login credentials for Absher Business.

• Can I renew Iqama for family members while they are outside the Kingdom through the Absher platform?

  Yes, you can renew Iqama for family members while they are outside the Kingdom.

• Can a final exit visa be issued if the resident has a traffic violation?

  A final exit visa cannot be issued until the traffic violation is paid, according to the service terms.

• Can a newborn be registered electronically without the need to visit Civil Affairs branches?

  Yes, this can be done through the newborn registration service on the Absher platform, and the birth certificate and updated family register are delivered via the national address.

• How can I authorize someone to receive a national ID card through the Absher platform?

  You can use the service by logging into your Absher account, selecting "Authorization - Sector Review Authorization - Issue Sector Review Authorization - Civil Affairs," then filling in the authorized person's national ID number and completing the procedures.

• What are the requirements for renewing a national ID?

  It requires booking an appointment after logging into the Absher platform, and selecting "Appointments - Civil Affairs - Renew National ID Card."

• Are Absher Business services available on the Absher smartphone application?

  Yes, the "Absher Business" smartphone application is available, allowing the execution of platform services and viewing information related to employees and workforce.

9. Conclusion

The Absher platform embodies a leading model for digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, having become a comprehensive gateway for providing over 330 electronic government services to citizens, residents, and visitors. Its pivotal role in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 is evident through its continuous efforts to improve service quality, simplify procedures, and save time and effort for beneficiaries.

The platform has demonstrated a deep commitment to inclusivity, by designing services specifically for groups such as mothers, newborns, pilgrims, and seniors and people with disabilities, while providing advanced support tools such as artificial intelligence and sign language. This approach ensures that digital transformation serves all segments of society without exception.

Furthermore, Absher's seamless integration with other government platforms such as Tawakkalna and NAFATH enhances the effectiveness of the government's digital ecosystem and provides a unified and secure experience for users to complete their daily transactions.

For the business sector, Absher offers specialized solutions through "Absher Business" for small and medium individual establishments, while the "Muqeem" service complements this system by providing similar services for large establishments and companies. This differentiation ensures that the diverse needs of the private sector are met with high efficiency.

In conclusion, Absher's importance is not limited to being merely a tool for facilitating procedures; it is a vital digital infrastructure that enhances government efficiency and transparency, and supports the building of an integrated digital society in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its continued development and expansion of services confirm the Kingdom's commitment to a prosperous digital future.