A new step towards digital transformation: Air rifle services are now available on the Absher platform
Saudi Arabia’s Public Security Directorate has announced the launch of a new suite of e-services related to air rifle licenses, now available to citizens and residents through the “Absher” e-platform. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Interior’s strategy to enhance digital transformation and streamline procedures for beneficiaries, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to build a fully integrated and efficient digital government.
General context: Digital transformation and Vision 2030
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a significant leap forward in digital government services. The “Absher” platform is a cornerstone of this transformation, providing hundreds of electronic services that eliminate the need for citizens and residents to visit government offices. The addition of firearms services, specifically air rifles, to this platform reflects the security authorities' commitment to keeping pace with technological advancements. This aims to regulate the possession of these weapons precisely and transparently, thereby enhancing security and reducing administrative burdens. Previously, reporting a lost or damaged firearm license required a personal visit to branches of the General Directorate of Weapons and Explosives, a process that was both time-consuming and laborious.
The importance of the service and its expected impact
The importance of this new service lies in several key aspects. Locally, licensed air rifle owners will experience unprecedented ease in managing their licenses, as they can now report a lost or damaged license with just a few clicks, encouraging compliance with regulations and prompt data updates. This step also contributes to building a central and accurate database for public security, facilitating monitoring and oversight, and enhancing the ability of security agencies to track licensed weapons and ensure their use for their designated purposes, such as hunting or sport shooting, within legal frameworks.
Details of available services and implementation steps
The new package allows users to submit an immediate electronic report in two main cases: loss or damage to their air rifle license. To benefit from these services, the following simple steps can be followed:
- Log in to the user account on the “Absher Individuals” platform.
- From the main menu, select “My Services”.
- Press the “Public Security” option.
- Select the service “Report loss or damage to air rifle license”.
- Click on “Start Service” to continue.
- Identify the weapon for which the license is to be reported.
- Fill in the required fields with the necessary data.
- Review the request and verify the accuracy of the data before confirming implementation.
Additional features: Review of reports and authorization to carry a service weapon
In addition to submitting reports, the platform allows users to review their history of previous reports related to lost or damaged air rifle licenses, and view details and current status without needing to contact the relevant authorities. Furthermore, the updated services include a "Positional Weapons Authorization" service, which enables relevant authorities to issue official authorizations to employees whose job duties require them to carry weapons, ensuring their use is legitimate and limited to their approved job responsibilities.
