Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) has recently emphasized its Metrash authorization service, a digital tool allowing residents to grant family members – spouses and children – access to the Metrash application even without their own registered phone numbers. This service, available through the Metrash app, aims to streamline access to government and public services for expatriate families in Qatar. The MoI highlighted the feature on Sunday through an infographic shared on its social media channels.
The initiative primarily addresses the needs of families where a spouse or child might not have a Qatari phone number registered in their name, a requirement previously hindering full access to the wide range of services offered via Metrash. These services include visa applications, traffic fine payments, and certificate requests, all conveniently managed through a smartphone. The launch builds on Qatar’s ongoing efforts to digitize government functions, making them more accessible and efficient for residents.
Understanding the Metrash Authorization Service
The Metrash app has become the primary portal for many interactions with Qatari government agencies. According to the MoI, the authorization feature specifically targets simplifying processes for families. Residents can initiate the authorization process directly within the app, under the “Delegation” option, and selecting “Relative Registration”.
How to Authorize a Family Member
The MoI outlines a straightforward procedure for granting access. Users first navigate to the ‘Delegation’ section, then ‘Relative Registration’. They are then prompted to enter the required personal details of the family member, as well as the phone number they will use to activate and access the application.
Once the information is reviewed and confirmed, the relative is officially authorized. The ministry stated that clicking the ‘Add’ button instantly completes the process, enabling the relative to use the designated phone number for Metrash services. This contrasts with previous requirements for individual registration, which often proved difficult for those without a formally registered Qatari SIM card.
This service is particularly useful for families navigating visa requirements and residency permits. Expats often depend on these digital services, so streamling them is quite impactful. Additionally, the ability to manage traffic fines and other municipal payments through Metrash adds considerable convenience for authorized family members.
The introduction of this feature could also lead to a reduction in administrative burdens for both residents and government entities. By allowing authorized family access, the MoI potentially reduces the number of individual requests and in-person visits to service centers. This is consistent with broader trends in e-governance initiatives across the Gulf region, emphasizing digital self-service and reduced bureaucracy.
While the MoI has not specified a timeframe for potential expansion of the authorization service to include other family members or relationships, the current focus is on simplifying access for immediate families. The success of this initial phase will likely inform future decisions regarding broader eligibility. Government digitalization strategies often incorporate a phased rollout, allowing for monitoring and adjustments based on user feedback and operational capacity.
Looking ahead, the MoI is expected to continue monitoring the usage and effectiveness of the authorization service. Further enhancements to the Metrash app, including potential integration with other government platforms, remain a possibility. The long-term impact of this initiative on service delivery efficiency and resident satisfaction will be a key area of observation for policymakers.
The Ministry of Interior has not announced any changes to the existing Metrash application or its services beyond this authorization feature. Residents should continue to monitor the MoI’s official channels for updates regarding government services in Qatar and digital residency requirements.
