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Qatar to introduce smart-card IDs

DOHA, Qatar, May 18 (UPI) -- Qatar will issue biometric smart cards beginning next year as official proof of national identity and residency.

The card will contain personal data and the holder's fingerprint. It can be used as a travel document, and also be used to access government e-services.

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According to the Gulf Times, Qatar's Interior Ministry signed an agreement May 17 for production of the card with Axalto, a Europe-based producer of microprocessor cards, and its local sponsor company.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Milipol Qatar 2006 exhibition in Doha.

Qatar also signed an agreement with De La Rue Identity Systems of Britain for upgrading Qatari passports.

The Milipol exhibition, which ended May 17, focuses on security and law enforcement equipment and technology.

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