Civil Registration and Identity Management Department Launches New Website to Improve Online Service Delivery

August 22, 2023
Vanuatu election

This work has fostered an enabling environment to ensure that no one is left behind.

Photo: Supplied

Port Vila, Vanuatu: Civil Registration & Identity Management (CRIM) Department (formerly known as Civil Registry and Vital Statistics) has launched a new revamped website for improving online service delivery for citizens’ civil registration needs.  

The new website replaces the old website, which will no longer be available. The revamping of the website is part of the Department’s rebranding efforts towards modernization and digital transformation. 

The website is designed to provide easy access to services for the public and government agencies alike. It offers a user-friendly interface where individuals can register vital events and apply for various identity documents seamlessly. The website will serve as a centralized hub for all civil registration and identity management services in Vanuatu. The user-friendly interface of the website is designed to be intuitive and responsive, making it accessible from various devices, including smartphones and tablets. 

As per the salient features of the website, Citizens can now conveniently apply for various registration services online, eliminating the need for in-person visits and reducing processing times.  Visitors of the website can access comprehensive information about vital events registration, identity management and related regulations, ensuring clarity and informed decision-making. A dedicated section with frequently asked questions provides quick answers to common queries, empowering citizens with the information they need.

With the support of the UNDP/VEEP project, CRIM has developed new National ID Cards that will be used for all services, including voting. These ID cards will provide a reliable and secure form of identification for citizens across various government and non-governmental services.

CRIM's rebranding marks a new era for the department as it embraces technology and innovation to better serve the people of Vanuatu. The rebranding introduces a fresh logo and color scheme that reflect the department's vision and values. Embedded in the fingerprint of the logo you find two pig tusks, symbolizing wealth and the uniqueness of identities, reflecting the cultural heritage of Vanuatu. The fingerprint part itself signifies the importance of individual identity and its security, while the Namele leaf represents the traditional way of counting and registering the number of people on some of Vanuatu's islands. The vibrant shades of blue in the logo represent the rich natural beauty of the island nation.

CRIM’s digital transformation has been supported by the UNDP/VEEP project, funded by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) New Zealand - VEEP is providing technical support to CRIM and electoral authorities.

In addition to the National ID Cards, an amendment passed by the Parliament in May has authorized the use of electronic ID (E-ID) that offers advanced features for identity verification, making it easier for citizens to access various services and participate in official transactions securely.

CRIM Registrar General, Jeffrey Tila Langati Trief, has said that the rebranding of CRIM is more than just a visual change; it represents the department's dedication to creating a modern and efficient civil registration and identity management system. 

“With the new branding and the introduction of the National ID Cards and E-ID, CRIM is poised to become a model for digital transformation and service excellence in the Pacific region,” he said. 

The Director further stated that "Our goal is to make our services more accessible and convenient for citizens. The new website represents a significant step toward achieving this goal, and we are committed to continually enhancing the online experience for our users." 

The department's commitment to its medium and long-term objectives ensures that the people of Vanuatu will have access to reliable and secure civil registration and identity management services well into the future. The rebranding signals a new chapter for CRIM, one that embraces technology and innovation to provide better services for the people of Vanuatu.

The CRIM reform supported by UNDP/VEEP is aligned with the Government of Vanuatu's National Sustainable Development Plan and UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Under this agenda, the Government and development partners are working together to achieve the targets of providing legal identity to all by 20230. This is also linked to achievement of other significant targets of SDGs.

For further information please contact:

Niaz Kandhir - Electoral Analyst | niaz.kandhir@undp.org