“Justice” and “eGovernment” to digitize Marriage Contract instead of “papers”
21 Jul 2019
The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments (MOJ), in collaboration with the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), discussed the plan to digitize marriage contracts by allowing inputting of data via smart tablets. The project, which will replace paper contracts, was announced by Undersecretary for Judicial Affairs Chancellor Wael Rashid Boualley.
The plan is in line with ongoing efforts by the government to optimize the efficiency of its services through the introduction of modern technologies.
Mr. Boualley said that the first phase will cover the work of authorized Sharia officers. The project will then be extended to all authorized marriage officers licensed by the Ministry. In coordination with iGA, the Ministry will organize workshops for the officers to educate them on the new process.
Mr. Boualley added that the online project will enable verification of personal details via an electronic channel between the Ministry of Health’s database and the population registry, which will directly record data online and provide legal services for beneficiaries without them having to physically attend Sharia courts for the ratification or issuance of marriage certificates. The system will allow certificates to be printed via the National Portal Bahrain.bh, completely transforming the work of marriage officers and improving the procedures of the National Integrity Coordination Unit , the department concerned with the tasks of authorized marriage officers.
iGA Vice Chief Executive for eTransformation, Dr. Zakareya Ahmed AlKhaja said that the authority is leading the Kingdom’s eTransformation by introducing new eServices. He added that this project will improve the efficiency of the family courts and contracts system, reducing expenses and possible errors that may occur during contract drafting. It will also eliminate the need for employees to personally attend to the issuance of official documents, while at the same time introducing new security and personal verification systems to ensure greater accuracy.
“The project is part of an ongoing program by iGA to develop the legal system in the Kingdom, contributing to greater security and privacy for the public, in line with directives by Minister of Interior Lt. Gen H.E. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa He also praised the efforts of MOJ and its keenness to develop procedures that raise the quality of its services and their delivery to beneficiaries”. Sr. Alkhaja stated
H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowment chaired a meeting last week with the iGA, where the online projectwas demonstrated following the completion of initial technical work. Present were Dr. AlKhajah, Mr. Boualley; Assistant Under-Secretary for Planning, Communication & Statistics, Dana Al Zayani; and project team members from both entities.