President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday announced that Guyana’s new electronic identification card (e-ID card) is ready for national rollout, marking a major step in the government’s digital transformation agenda.
The President, who was the first to be issued with the new card, said that all systems will be in place within the next two weeks to begin nationwide distribution. To support this, regional offices will be established to speed up the process and ensure that citizens across the country have access to the document.
The government had signed a US$35.4 million agreement in 2023 with German firm Veridos Identity Solutions for the implementation of the national e-ID system. Once introduced, the card will give holders streamlined access to government and healthcare services while providing a secure, modern form of identification.
Meanwhile, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking on the initiative, had stressed that the system will also extend to foreigners residing in Guyana. He explained that while citizens will receive e-ID cards, non citizens will be issued residency cards with the same biometric and security features but a different colour. These cards will be mandatory for opening bank accounts and securing employment.
Jagdeo underscored the importance of the new system in strengthening national security, particularly as Guyana continues to see an influx of Venezuelan migrants. “At any given moment, we will know of all of the people who are in our country who are not Guyanese and wherever they’re from,” he said, noting that the integration of biometrics with the planned installation of thousands of security cameras will enhance monitoring and enforcement.
He cautioned, however, that while the government is treating the situation as a security matter, its approach remains guided by humanitarian principles. He reminded that many Guyanese once sought refuge in Venezuela and Suriname, and that compassion must also guide the country’s response. At the same time, he said the e-ID system will provide authorities with a stronger tool to manage the presence of foreign nationals in a clear and methodical way.
Jagdeo also pointed out that persons of Venezuelan descent with Guyanese heritage are entitled to citizenship under the Constitution, provided they can trace it through their parents or grandparents.
The government has confirmed that within the coming year, the e-ID card will be fully integrated into Guyana’s Single Electronic Identification System. This rollout complements other digital initiatives currently underway, including the development of an online passport application system, which President Ali has said will be launched before the end of this year.
