Ministerial decree rolls out chip-enabled civil cards with up to 15-year validity

In a move aimed at modernizing identity documentation for select expatriate groups, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef has issued a ministerial decree approving the introduction of a new civil ID card embedded with an electronic chip for specific category of foreigners.

Under the decision, a redesigned civil ID will be issued to eligible foreigners registered within the Civil Information System, in line with Paragraph One of Article Two of Law No. 82 of 1973 governing civil information. The new card incorporates advanced electronic features and will be granted according to clearly defined categories.

The decree stipulates that foreign property owners within Kuwait will be issued the electronic civil ID with a validity period of ten years. Meanwhile, foreign investors operating under the framework of Law No. 116 of 2013 concerning the Promotion of Direct Investment will be granted the card for an extended validity of fifteen years, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The decision further authorizes the Director General of the Public Authority for Civil Information to modify or update the data printed on the new card, as well as its technical components.

This includes determining, amending, or updating the information stored on the electronic chip and the machine-readable zone. The authority is also empowered to set and revise the procedures, documentation, and requirements necessary for issuing, renewing, or modifying the card’s data — whether by addition or deletion –whenever public interest considerations so require.

All previous regulations governing civil ID cards will remain in force insofar as they do not conflict with the provisions of the new decree.

The decision will take effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, with implementation entrusted to the Director General of the Authority and all relevant bodies, each within their respective mandate.