Senior Citizens' Privilege Card: Terms, Benefits, and Activation Method
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its tireless efforts to enhance the quality of life for all segments of society, with the elderly being a top priority within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. In this context, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a unique initiative called the “Privilege Card,” a digital service aimed at facilitating the lives of the elderly and giving them the respect they deserve in daily interactions.
What is a senior citizen privilege card?
The Privilege Card is a digital document issued to senior citizens to facilitate their access to various services. This card automatically appears to eligible beneficiaries through the Ministry's official application as well as through the "Tawakkalna" application, reflecting the digital transformation that the Kingdom is witnessing to link data and facilitate access to services without the need for paper visits or carrying plastic cards.
Two essential conditions for obtaining the card
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has set precise and accessible criteria for eligibility for this card, as obtaining it requires only two basic conditions:
- Nationality: The beneficiary must be a Saudi national.
- Age: The beneficiary must be sixty years of age or older.
Once these two conditions are met, the beneficiary is automatically included in the eligible category and the card appears in their digital accounts.
Key advantages of the Privilege Card
The card offers a range of benefits that give its holder priority and convenience in various facilities, including:
- Service priority: Obtaining priority in completing transactions with governmental, private, and civil entities that are partners of the ministry.
- Special parking: Providing dedicated parking spaces for the elderly at service locations and public facilities to reduce the hassle of walking and waiting.
- Seating arrangements: Allocate seats in the front rows and waiting areas to ensure the comfort of the elderly.
Context of the initiative and its social impact
This step complements the existing Saudi legislation protecting the rights of the elderly, most notably the "Elderly Rights and Care Law," issued by royal decree, which criminalizes abuse against senior citizens and guarantees them a dignified life. The Privilege Card plays a pivotal role in translating these legal provisions into practical realities that citizens experience in their daily lives.
On the social level, this initiative promotes the values of reverence and respect rooted in Saudi and Islamic culture, and contributes to the social integration of the elderly and encourages them to live their lives effectively and independently.
Digital inclusion service... additional support
Recognizing the technical challenges that some senior citizens may face, the Ministry launched the "Digital Inclusion Service" concurrently. This service allows elderly social security beneficiaries to request assistance from specialized teams to complete registration processes and access electronic services on their behalf, eliminating the need for them to visit offices and ensuring they are not left behind in the digital transformation.
The ministry works periodically to measure beneficiary satisfaction and develop these services based on performance indicators and feedback received, to ensure the sustainability of the quality of services provided to this valued group.
