The Guyana Government plans to implement a Single Electronic Identification System within the next year, which will provide every citizen with an electronic identification card featuring biometric data. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced that this new ID card will also be available to foreign residents, allowing for improved identification and tracking.
“Everyone who is not Guyanese will need a residency card with the same security features and biometrics,” Jagdeo stated, emphasizing that the cards will be color-coded to differentiate between citizens and foreigners. Without these IDs, foreign residents will be prohibited from opening bank accounts or obtaining employment, as employers will be required to verify possession of the new document.
In 2023, the Government of Guyana signed a US$35.4 million contract with German-based Veridos Identity Solutions for the implementation of this national electronic ID system. Jagdeo explained that the new ID cards will enhance the government’s ability to monitor the presence of non-Guyanese residents, particularly in light of the influx of Venezuelan migrants.
“With this new ID card, we will know who is in our country and where they are,” he said, referencing plans to install 3,000-4,000 security cameras across the country. The Vice President acknowledged concerns about security threats posed by the migrant population and assured that the government is taking these issues seriously.
While addressing the situation, Jagdeo noted that not all measures being taken to secure the country’s borders can be publicly disclosed. He reiterated the importance of a humanitarian approach, recognizing that many Guyanese have sought refuge in countries like Venezuela and Suriname in the past.
“This initiative with the national ID cards will provide us with a clearer and more methodical way to manage the presence of foreigners in our country,” he concluded. He also mentioned that individuals who may appear Venezuelan but have Guyanese heritage can still claim citizenship based on their family background, as outlined in the Constitution of Guyana.
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