The General Directorate of Passports has announced that fingerprints are mandatory for Saudis to acquire or renew passports and national identity cards, a local publication reported Wednesday.

The rule will apply to both male and female nationals aged 15 years and above, a spokesperson of the directorate was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The Passport Department also urged citizens to take advantage of the Absher online service for work related to passports and national identity cards.

Citizens can either go to the Passport Department office and collect newly issued passports or they can have their passports delivered to them through post.

The decision on fingerprinting has been hailed by citizens as “vital for the security of nationals as well as the country.” Basim Al-Jassim, public relation officer and marketing manager at Batterjee Medical College, said: “We welcome the announcement in view of the prevailing situation in the world. Saudis should cooperate with the Passport Department and government for their own security and that of the nation,” he said.

Nagi Bataish, poet and community leader, said: “I fully endorse the decision of the government and the Passport Department to implement this rule. All countries in the world are taking such measures for peace and security.”

Faisal Shukani, a government employee, said the rule should have been introduced long ago. “It will help in identifying people who might be involved in accidents or disasters.”

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