The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has officially commenced the issuance of electronic ID cards, known as e-Tazkira, to Afghan citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This significant initiative, managed by the Afghan Embassy in Abu Dhabi, marks a pivotal step in providing secure identification for Afghan nationals abroad.
Zia Ahmad Takal, the deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the launch of this distribution system. He highlighted that the program began at the embassy in Abu Dhabi, ensuring full cooperation for Afghans living in the UAE. Electronic ID cards will now be issued to Afghans in the UAE, ensuring ease and convenience,” Takal stated, emphasizing the project’s importance.
The launch has been met with enthusiasm from Afghan businessmen and residents in the UAE, who see it as a promise of more efficient services. Haji Obaidullah Sadrkhil, head of the Afghan Traders Council in the UAE, expressed his optimism: “This is a moment of joy for everyone. We urge Afghan consulates and embassies worldwide to initiate this process and provide Afghans with accessible electronic identification cards.”
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Abdul Waris, an Afghan resident in the UAE, shared his excitement about the e-ID card process, noting how it could streamline entry for fellow nationals. Similarly, Samiullah, another Afghan in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the increased accessibility of electronic ID cards for his compatriots.
In parallel, Mohammad Haleem Rafi, spokesperson for the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA), announced plans to establish similar distribution centers in Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. Following the UAE, the NSIA aims to establish new centers in Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey,” Rafi stated. According to NSIA figures, Afghanistan’s 34 provinces receive between 10,000 and 11,000 electronic ID cards daily. Since the e-Tazkira distribution began, 13.6 million electronic ID cards have been issued nationwide, marking a significant achievement in citizen identification and service delivery.
The opening of the electronic ID card distribution center in the UAE is a landmark event for Afghan nationals living abroad. This initiative aims to provide them with reliable identification, facilitating access to opportunities and essential services. The success of the UAE program sets a precedent for future expansions into other countries with substantial Afghan populations, ensuring global accessibility to electronic ID cards.
This project aligns with the Islamic Emirate’s broader goals to modernize and streamline the citizen identification process. By implementing an efficient and secure system, the government aims to enhance service delivery and improve the accuracy of citizen records. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting Afghan nationals worldwide.
Local authorities and Afghan businessmen in the UAE have praised this development, recognizing its practicality and benefits. They emphasize the need to extend such services to other countries, ensuring that all Afghan expatriates can obtain electronic identity cards. This program simplifies their daily lives and strengthens their connections to Afghanistan.
The NSIA’s plans to expand the distribution of electronic ID cards to countries like Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey demonstrate proactive efforts to meet the needs of Afghan migrants. The establishment of these centers underscores the government’s intent to provide consistent and reliable services to Afghans globally.
In summary, the introduction of electronic ID card distribution for Afghans in the UAE signifies a substantial advancement in identifying Afghan nationals living abroad. By offering a secure and efficient means of identification, this project has the potential to greatly enhance the lives of Afghan expatriates. The government’s continued efforts to expand these services internationally highlight its dedication to supporting its citizens and ensuring equitable access to opportunities and essential services everywhere.
