Guide to registering newborns via Absher: Complete steps and requirements 2024

In a move reflecting the digital transformation underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Interior has launched an online birth registration service through the “Absher” platform, representing a significant leap forward in streamlining government procedures for citizens and residents. This integrated digital service allows the parents of a newborn to complete the birth registration process, request the issuance of a birth certificate and an updated family record, and receive them via Saudi Post (Sabel) without needing to leave their homes.

General context and digital transformation within Vision 2030

The birth registration service is part of the Kingdom's comprehensive digital transformation strategy, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. This vision aims to build an efficient e-government that reduces bureaucracy and enhances the efficiency of services provided. Previously, birth registration procedures required multiple visits to civil affairs offices and hospitals, accompanied by numerous paper documents, consuming significant time and effort for families. Today, thanks to the electronic link between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Interior (represented by the Civil Affairs Department), the birth notification process is automated, paving the way for parents to complete the procedures easily and conveniently through the Absher platform.

Steps to register newborns via the Absher platform

To take advantage of the service, you can follow six simple and straightforward steps that guarantee the transaction will be completed in just a few minutes:

1. Login: Start by logging into your personal account on the “Absher Individuals” platform.
2. Accessing services: From the main menu, select “My Services”.
3. To select electronic services: Click on the “Services” option.
4. To identify the Civil Status sector: From the list of sectors, select “Civil Status”.
5. Choosing the birth registration service: Search for the “birth registration” service and click on it.
6. Complete the data: Review and agree to the terms of service, then enter all the required data for the newborn and parents, and specify the national address to which you wish to receive the official documents.

The importance of the service and its expected impact

The importance of this service extends beyond simply providing convenience for users. Locally, it contributes to building an accurate and up-to-date population database, which is vital for the country's strategic planning in the areas of health, education, and social services. It also reduces the administrative burden on civil registry employees, allowing them to focus on other, more complex tasks. Regionally and internationally, these advanced digital services enhance the Kingdom's position as a leader in e-government and offer a model that other countries seeking to develop their government services can emulate.

It is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Interior’s Civil Status Agency, in cooperation with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), is constantly working to develop and add new services through “Absher”, such as the service of issuing a family record (replacement for a damaged or lost one), and issuing birth and death certificates for foster families, with the aim of reaching an integrated and comprehensive user experience that meets all the needs of individuals and families in the Kingdom.