The Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) has announced plans to launch a new passport issuance system that uses the national digital ID (Fayda), allowing citizens to apply online without appearing in person for fingerprinting. The reform aims to ease long‑standing administrative bottlenecks.

The ICS has long struggled with inefficiencies, including extensive backlogs and mandatory in‑person appearances that forced citizens to endure long queues and travel great distances. Previous attempts to modernize passport issuance were hindered by outdated laws and fragmented record‑keeping.

The Fayda digital ID assigns a unique identity to citizens, consolidating personal and biometric data to streamline access to public and private services. However, its rollout has faced challenges related to public enrollment and infrastructure.

The ICS said the new procedure will integrate the passport system with Fayda, enabling applicants to complete the process entirely online. Citizens will be able to use their existing digital ID data from any location, eliminating the need to visit a branch for biometric enrollment.

Director General Selamawit Dawit said the move is part of a broader effort to modernize operations, improve service delivery, and address recurring complaints. Over the past two years, the Service has carried out multiple reforms, including technological upgrades and human capital restructuring, she added.

"The outdated passport service system is being overhauled," Selamawit said. "Among the key achievements is the introduction of the electronic passport (e‑Passport), which, drawing on international best practices, is transforming our operational culture."

Legal amendments have also been made to align old regulations with current technological realities. As a result, the Service was able to clear a backlog of more than 350,000 pending passport requests in a short period, she noted.

To prevent online fraud, the new system will include a strict supervision mechanism. The Director General explained that an individual’s digital ID data will be usable only once per transaction, helping to eliminate outdated and inefficient practices.

The ICS also reported over the past two and a half years, it has launched e‑Passport services at 22 branches nationwide. Citizens can now receive their passports in half a day, two days, or five days, depending on the service option chosen.

Selamawit described the upcoming integration with the digital ID as a major step forward. "By amending the legal framework, we were able to process over 350,000 backlogged passport requests within three months. The new system linking passports to digital ID will further streamline services," she said.

Parliament has urged the ICS to ensure its digital systems strongly support linking passport services with the national biometric digital ID system (Fayda). Legislators argue this integration is essential to eliminate redundant data collection, reduce fraud, and enable fully remote applications.

Lawmakers have demanded a functional, user‑friendly online portal that allows citizens to apply, pay fees, and track their passport status without visiting a branch. They have criticized the existing portal for being outdated and frequently non‑operational. They also urged the ICS to ensure its digital systems can share data with other agencies, such as the civil registry and tax authority, to streamline verification and reduce bureaucratic duplication.

The ICS is continuing preparatory work to launch the fully integrated online passport service in the near future. Officials say the reform represents a major step toward meeting parliamentary demands for a modern, accessible, and transparent immigration service.