Updating the personal photo for a resident ID via Absher: Requirements and steps

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its rapid progress towards comprehensive digital transformation, with the Ministry of Interior offering numerous services through the "Absher" platform that facilitate the lives of citizens and residents. One of the most prominent of these services is the personal photo update service for resident IDs , enabling beneficiaries to change their photos electronically without needing to visit passport offices, in accordance with specific criteria that ensure data accuracy and speed of processing.

Digital transformation and its impact on resident services

Updating personal information was not always this easy; it required booking appointments and waiting in long queues at government offices, wasting time and effort. The launch of the online photo update service is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to automate government services and improve efficiency. This transformation not only benefits individuals but also has positive economic and environmental impacts by reducing traffic congestion and paper consumption, thus enhancing the quality of life in the Kingdom.

The importance of updating biometric data

Updating one's personal photograph is of paramount importance, extending far beyond mere aesthetics; it is a vital security and organizational measure. A current photograph ensures accurate identification at security checkpoints, airports, and financial institutions, facilitating daily transactions for residents and protecting them from identity theft. Furthermore, the digital image in the system matches the resident's current appearance, expediting travel and return procedures and enhancing the reliability of national records.

Steps to update the personal photo for a resident ID via Absher

Residents can take advantage of this service and easily update their photos by following these steps via the Absher platform application:

• Log in to the "Absher" application using your username and password.
• Go to the "My Services" tab.
• Select the "Update Resident Photo" service from the available menu.
• Upload the new image according to the required conditions and submit the request.

Technical standards and requirements for acceptable images

To ensure that applications are accepted automatically and without delay, the platform has set a number of strict conditions that are checked using artificial intelligence technologies before final human review:

• The background of the image should be completely white and free of any spots or shadows.
• The image should be recent, colorful, and of high quality.
• Men should have their heads uncovered (without a headscarf or hat), with the exception of justifiable religious or medical cases.
• The facial features should be perfectly clear, and the gaze should be directed straight at the camera without any exaggerated expressions.
• The image is free of any filters or digital modifications that alter the basic features.

How to request delivery of renewed ID

After the resident ID photo is updated and approved, the Absher platform offers a delivery service for the printed ID to the beneficiary's address, whether for domestic workers or family members, during the residency permit's validity period. This can be done through the following steps:

Via the website:

• Access the Absher platform and select "Labor".
• Go to "Resident Services".
• Select "Residence ID Delivery Request" and specify the national address.

Via the smart application:

• Log in to the application and select "My Work".
• Click on the "Resident ID Delivery" option and complete the payment and delivery procedures.