Government documents to be authenticated by QR code : Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Government offices in Bahrain issue numerous certificates, permits and licenses every month. Beneficiaries are handed over the documents either in physical or electronic form. The real task, however, is verifying the authenticity of these documents after a period of time. As of now, it is either cumbersome or nearly impossible to verify the authenticity of such documents. Making the process even more difficult are fraudsters who are ready to fake documents.

However, the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning has found a way to beat these odds. Starting from tomorrow (November 1), QR codes will be integrated on issued documents to ensure its integrity. All statements and licenses issued by the ministry will have this code, making the verification process a breeze.

This also means beneficiaries can download documents from the ministry’s website, without queuing at the office amid the deadly coronavirus outbreak. Citizens can also remit the required fees for availing the services through the national payment portal or Sadad.

Minister Essam Khalaf said the ministry had formed a specialised team to convert municipal services online. The integration of QR codes is part of this project implemented in two stages. The ministry rolled out the first stage by the end of August this year. Proof of residence, address addition, amendment and deletion were the services offered.

The second phase came in mid-September. Permits for buildings less than 50 square meters, excavation, road works, plan amendment, and building completion were the digital services offered.

Municipalities, the minister said, started their digital transformation by the end of 2018, by redefining procedures and changing the methods of services. He explained, “More than 27 municipal services are now available on the digital platform.” “The ministry is continuing its digital transformation for the rest of the municipal services, which will take place in the next few months in coordination with the Information and eGovernment Authority.”

Ministry’s Resources and Information Assistant Undersecretary Mohamed Adel Abu Hassan said the authorities would continue accepting licenses and certificates issued using the current system until the end of this year in order to avoid confusion. From January 1, 2021, government agencies will stop accepting licenses and old municipal affidavits.