Nepal to Introduce Biometric Smart ID Cards for Citizens
Key Takeaways
- Over 117,000 biometric smart ID cards to be issued by January 2018
- Cards will include personal details, biometric data, and 25 security features
- No initial cost for citizens, replacement cards priced around USD 3
- Will be used for voting, government services, healthcare access, and more
- Project funded by Asian Development Bank, executed by French firm Safran Identity and Security
Nepal to Roll Out Biometric Smart ID Cards
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a major shift from traditional paper-based citizenship cards to sophisticated biometric smart cards. The program, set to begin in January 2018, will provide over 117,000 citizens with these advanced cards embedded with electronic storage of personal and biological information.
Key Features and Benefits
The new polycarbonate cards will carry a unique random ID number and include 25 distinct security elements to prevent fraud. They hold unlimited validity and will serve multiple purposes beyond basic identification. Potential uses include voter registration, accessing government services, receiving social security benefits, enabling cross-border security checks, and facilitating healthcare and welfare programs. Officials emphasize that the system will streamline public services, enhance governance, and help curb criminal activity.
Implementation Details
An online registration portal will be developed through collaboration between the National Identity Card Management Centre and the Department of Passports. The cards will be produced by Safran Identity and Security, a French company that won the tender, with funding provided by the Asian Development Bank. While the initial issuance will be free for citizens, a replacement fee of approximately USD 3—covering manufacturing costs—will apply for lost or damaged cards.
Broader Impact
Beyond replacing outdated documents, these smart cards represent a strategic move toward a more efficient, transparent, and secure administrative framework. By consolidating multiple functions into a single, tamper-resistant platform, Nepal aims to reduce bureaucratic delays, minimize corruption risks, and improve overall citizen experience across public service delivery channels.
