Government | Sunday 5 April, 2015 7:21 am |

Citizens and expatriates alike have welcomed the Ministry of Interior (MoI) decision for a new version of the Absher portal, which will include electronic services provided to citizens and residents as well as news and events of all sectors of the ministry.
Mohammed Al-Asiri, a spokesman at the MoI’s National Information Center (NIC), on Thursday announced that the new version of the Absher portal will be launched within the next few weeks.

He said through this new portal, the NIC will facilitate the provision of services in less time, noting that the new portal is designed according to the latest international IT and security standards to ensure faster, efficient and hassle free services.
The adoption of portal templates and designs was approved according to public opinion polls conducted by the e-services’ management, taking into account the ease of use and compatibility of the new designs and pages with all various systems, he said.

Reacting to the new announcement, Zeyad Abdullah, a new Saudi graduate who is pursuing career in public relations said: “It is indeed a good move as the online services related to MoI will be more user-friendly by helping the applicant find a solution to their problem through online requests.” It will further help in assuring hassle-free service, he added.

Abdullah Ahmad, another local graduate was equally enthusiastic at the news, describing it as a great development for which he has waited a long time. The new services through the Absher portal will help expatriate workers with their MoI services including exit/entry visas and requests for family visas.
The user can register online at the MoI website, submitting personal details at kiosks installed at various public places and markets.
Reacting to the development Zakir Nadwi, an Indian expat worker said: “I really appreciate this move as it will save a lot of time in obtaining MoI services and related information.”