190,000 new eKey users since 2020, says iGA’s AlHashemi

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

More than 190,000 new users registered for the eKey services since the beginning of March 2020, amid the pandemic, said iGA’s Hesham Ebrahim AlHashemi. The service witnessed a surge in demand during the pandemic, were the total users now tops 572,000, said the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Director of Government Systems Support & Maintenance. He also revealed having more than 30 million successful eKey entries since the start of the pandemic.

The eKey allows access to National Portal, bahrain.bh and other electronic government channels, eliminating the need to enter personal information repeatedly across platforms. Users can also opt to receive important notifications by email or SMS from www.ekey.bh. Alerts are sent when personal data is updated, accounts upgraded, and passwords changed. Updates on various other transactions conducted through the iGA’s electronic channels are also alerted.

Since the pandemic, various government systems and services are linked to the eKey, ensuring business continuity and eliminating the need for physical visits. Recent additions to the National Portal include the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry of Labour & Social Development.

Register for eKey service

AlHashemi called on the public to register for the eKey service, if not already done. There are Basic and Advanced eKey levels of access. The Basic level is available to all Bahrain citizens and residents and those holding ID cards of other GCC countries. Holders of the Basic eKey can upgrade accounts to the Advanced level through a one-time visit for ID card and fingerprint verification at the iGA’s ID Card Service Centre in Isa Town, the Bahrain Investors Centre at the Financial Harbour, or the Social Insurance Organisation. They can also do this through one of the IGA’s self-service kiosks available at the ID Card Service Centres in Isa Town, Muharraq, and Mina Salman.

Around 153 eServices that require an eKey are on the National Portal, bahrain.bh and the eGovernment app store, bahrain. bh/apps. “These include services related to ID cards, the General Department of Traffic, judiciary and courts, commercial records, educational qualification certifications, financial support for low-income individuals, and the Wejhati app for travellers who wish to keep in touch with Bahrain’s embassies abroad.”

A comprehensive list of services is available on the eKey Services page on www.ekey.bh.For more information on the eKey and other eServices and apps, submit enquiries via the National Suggestion and Complaint System, Tawasul, or the Tawasul app, available on the eGovernment Apps Store, bahrain.bh/apps.