Electronic birth registration service: A qualitative leap in Saudi government services
As part of the comprehensive digital transformation underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in line with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, the Ministry of Interior has launched a service for registering newborns easily and conveniently through the “Absher” electronic platform. This service represents a pivotal step in the automation of government procedures, enabling the parents of a newborn to complete all necessary steps to register the birth, obtain a birth certificate and family record, and request their direct delivery to their registered national address without needing to visit civil affairs offices.
Historical context: From paper transactions to digital government
Before the launch of these digital services, registering a newborn required parents to make multiple visits to civil status offices, bringing with them a stack of paper documents, a process that was both time-consuming and laborious. The launch of the “Absher” platform marked a radical turning point in the concept of government service delivery. Initially a platform for passport and traffic services, it has since expanded dramatically to encompass hundreds of services across various sectors. The birth registration service is one of the most prominent fruits of this development, reflecting the successful integration of several government entities, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), and Saudi Post (Subul), to provide a seamless and comprehensive experience for users.
Your step-by-step guide to registering newborns via Absher
To benefit from this excellent service, the guardian can follow six simple and direct steps via the Absher platform, which are as follows:
- Login: Start by logging into your personal account on the “Absher Individuals” platform.
- Selecting services: From the main menu, go to the “My Services” section.
- Accessing Civil Status Services: Select “Services” and then click on “Civil Status”.
- Service selection: From the Civil Status Services menu, select “Birth Registration Service”.
- Data entry: Review and agree to the terms of service, then accurately enter the newborn's details and the rest of the required information.
- Completing the application: After completing all the data, confirm the application to issue the birth certificate and family record and specify the delivery address.
The importance and expected impact of the service
The importance of the electronic birth registration service extends far beyond simply saving time and effort for citizens and residents. Locally, the service contributes to increased efficiency in government operations, reduces the administrative burden on civil affairs employees, and ensures the accuracy of data entered through direct links with hospitals. It also enhances the quality of life for citizens and residents and supports the transition to a fully digital society. Regionally and internationally, these steps position the Kingdom among the leading countries in e-government and offer a successful model that other countries can utilize to develop their public services, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's status as a hub for digital innovation in the region.
