The Information Systems Department of the Ministry of Interior achieved a new milestone as it has obtained international certification for its smart ID card from Gemalto Inc.

This certification is given for those countries that comply with international specifications for ISO 7816 & ISO 14443 as well as the standards of International organization for standardizing smart ID cards with Java operating system equipped with state of the art digital and physical security features and protection.

The Qatari smart ID card contains an electronic chip that can store any kind of data either texts or images and it can also be loaded with several programs. The data on the chip are highly secured starting from direct reading to using the private password for the card holder or can be used by special programs that can be controlled by issuing authority. One of the other features of this card is the possibility of changing the stored data on the chip without issuing a new card.

Further, the Qatari smart ID card is a multi-application card as it can be used, apart from identification purpose, for completing electronic transactions via internet and automated self-service machines spread across the country as well as at e-gates in the airports and borders.