Cayman Islands Launches New National ID Card
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands – The government of this British overseas territory has launched the My eID, a national identity card with digital features that has been in discussion and development for almost two decades.
The free card is not mandatory as originally intended due to public backlash against legal enforcement over civil liberty and security concerns.
However, the government is inviting Caymanians to begin the process of voluntarily adopting the card, which has been designed to make all interactions with the government easier and presents definitive proof of the holder’s Caymanian status.
The card is currently available to all Caymanians, who are being encouraged to apply as soon as possible
.Non-Caymanians in key public positions, such as senior civil servants, can also apply now, but other non-Caymanians living here can register their interest in preparation for the nationwide rollout.
The card was officially launched last Friday by Social Development Minister Isaac Rankine, who urged all Caymanians, especially those in public positions, to sign up and encourage others to do so as well. He said the government felt that “this is the right time to get people engaged in their digital identity online”.
The card has a QR code and NFC chip, so that it can be read by all relevant devices.
It is linked to a portal and the user’s unique PIN, providing an easy way to confirm their identity, sign online, and complete government processes more efficiently.
The card can be used on domestic flights and for other ID purposes outside of government, although its main purpose is to provide access to public services, as Cayman begins to catch up with many other countries where government services can all be conducted online. Holders will no longer need to carry a passport, birth certificate or other documents to prove their status or identity to access government services.
They will also have their own ‘My Info Portal’, where users can manage their profile and personal data.
There is no age restriction on the card, which is also available to young people.
