Seychelles Makes Digital ID Mandatory for Work Permit Holders

Seychelles has introduced a new digital platform, SeyID, replacing the issuance of physical identification cards for new work permit holders. As of September 17, permit holders must use the virtual ID system, which is expected to streamline operations within the Department of Immigration and Civil Status.

According to Alain Volcere, the principal secretary for Immigration, the change will reduce administrative burdens, expedite identity verification, and decrease in-person visits, leading to improved departmental efficiency.

The virtual ID will be valid for the duration of their work permit and can be accessed via the SeyID website or app. Seychellois citizens living abroad will benefit from this service, as they can access their national IDs digitally. However, citizens still have the option to retain a physical ID, which expires every ten years.

In tandem with SeyID, the Department of Immigration has launched CertExpress, an online platform that allows citizens to obtain birth, marriage, and death certificates digitally. The service aims to reduce wait times and provide a more efficient alternative to traditional in-person requests, benefiting not only local residents but also the Seychellois diaspora. Certificates requested through CertExpress are delivered via email and saved in the user’s digital wallet, providing ongoing access without the need for reapplication.

The SeyID’s origins can be traced back to 2014 when the Seychelles government selected WISeKey, a Swiss cybersecurity company, as a partner to supply technology and expertise on public key digital signatures for electronic transactions. The SeyID project was subsequently developed by WISeKey International Holding based on their WISeID platform for digital identity and online security.

The official launch of the SeyID platform took place on November 1, 2022, during a ceremony attended by high-ranking government officials, including Vice-President Ahmed Afif and President Wavel Ramkalawan. At the time of launch, the platform was in its final phases of integration with eGovernment services and financial institutions.

The platform is both web-based and mobile-based, accessible through mobile applications. It includes features like online KYC onboarding, OTP authentication, and QR code-based secure login. It also has a cloud signature solution for legally valid digital document signing.

Source: Seychelles News Agency

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September 18, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team