Powering Papua New Guinea’s Civil, Birth and ID Systems
10.6 Million
Population
60%
Of population to be registered for ID cards
500,000
Expected registrations yearly
Papua New Guinea is on a transformative path to upgrade its Civil and Identity Registry (PNGCIR).
Limited access to registration services, particularly in rural areas, left citizens without ID documents. With approximately 60% still needing to be registered for an ID card, establishing a reliable identity system became a priority.
The existing system relied on outdated technology and did not meet international standards. Only 17% of births and 2% of deaths had been registered, depriving the country of important population data. Therefore, an integrated system was required to improve governance and planning.
Project
Solution: National ID
Region: Papua New Guinea
Year: 2024
Universal Registration by 2030
The PNGCIR collaborated with the National Identity Programme (NID) and Statistical Office to update the ID system. The main objectives were to:
Modernise the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (CRVS) for data sharing between departments.
Make registration services more accessible in remote areas.
Provide all citizens with an ID card by 2030.
Technology-Driven Solutions for Inclusivity
Laxton was tasked with improving the registration process to support the country’s efforts. This involved:
Developing a central server integrated into the government’s existing systems.
Providing state-of-the-art technology to capture accurate biometric data.
Delivering mobile registration stations to provide access to services in rural areas.
ID Kits Assessed for Remote Areas
After a thorough review, Papua New Guinea selected a compact kit due to its lightweight and portable design. This was essential for easy transport, making the registration process more inclusive and accessible for remote and underserved communities.
Biometric Kits turn any location into ID registration centre
Systematic Testing Enables Interoperability
During the implementation phase, Laxton’s technicians systematically converted files to align with existing systems and uploaded customised software.
Integrating Laxton’s enrolment software with their Automatic Biometric Identification System was essential for PNGCIR to maintain the ID system’s integrity. The integration ensured unique registrations and prevented duplicates. This interoperability streamlined the processing of biometric data input and facilitated ID card issuance for continuous registration.
Portable Solutions Make Registration Possible Anywhere
Laxton provided Identity Registration Kits designed for accurate data capture and easy mobility. The features included:
Camera: Captures facial biometrics to be used for ID verification and to provide high-quality images for ID cards.
4-4-2 Fingerprint Scanner: Collects precise fingerprint biometric data quickly and efficiently, making it suitable for mass enrolment during large-scale projects.
Document Scanner: Captures supporting ID documents, reducing manual data entry errors and speeding up the registration process.
Signature Pad: Allows for digital signatures, ensuring authenticity and legal compliance. This feature also reduces
the need for paperwork which is prone to loss and damage during transport.4G Modem: Enables internet connectivity for immediate data transfer for central database updates, reducing the risk of data loss.
Battery System: Powers the device for up to 12 hours, essential for areas with unreliable power supply.
GPS Modules: Provides real-time geolocation of registration sites, ensuring accurate census data to support planning and resource allocation.
All components are integrated into an IP65 rugged case to withstand transport across harsh environments. Additionally, accessories like a solar panel ensured uninterrupted operation in areas with limited electricity, and a photo backdrop provided consistent image quality.
Faster, Better, Smarter Technology
The registration stations delivered a faster process with rapid and dry finger capture and eliminated the need to clean latent fingerprints—ideal for high-volume areas. They also performed better in extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, ensuring accurate results regardless of conditions. Finally, the technology was smarter, had lower power consumption, and removed the need for consumables, making them a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
Key Initiatives Supported by Mobile Devices
Laxton delivered desktop and hand-held devices to support the project. Over 200 staff worked across 17 provinces and five districts, using mobile registration centres and PNGCIR offices for registrations. 29% of Laxton’s registration stations were allocated to the civil registry for vital events (such as marriages and deaths), 29% for birth registrations, and 40% to the NID.
2% were designated to healthcare staff. These devices allowed for quick data capture, ensuring records were uploaded in real-time.
UNICEF Deputy Representative Mr Singh emphasised the importance of the biometric registration stations, stating, “They are the key to unlocking the potential of children through the vital process of birth registration.”
Registration Locations
Equipment was delivered to Port Moresby before being distributed nationwide.
Real-Time Data Capture Provides Accuracy
Laxton’s biometric registration stations were provided to register citizens efficiently in real-time. This allowed staff to quickly capture information, including personal details, photographs and fingerprints. Data was then vetted, approved, and ID documents printed and issued to the public.
Global Standards Met for Data Privacy
The technology provided robust security and privacy features, including advanced encryption to safeguard data during capture and transmission. Anti-tampering measures prevented unauthorised access, maintaining data integrity. The registration stations ensured compliance with global privacy standards, critical for protecting personal information.
Yearly Registrations Skyrocket to Over 500,000
Papua New Guinea is on track to increase registrations by a further 500,000 annually. As of March 2024, 3.3 million citizens had already registered for the NID programme, and 2.4 million birth certificates had been issued.
Laxton’s technology has been critical in achieving these milestones, supporting the goal of universal and timely civil registrations and providing all citizens with a legal ID by 2030.
3.3 million national IDs issued as of March 2024
Vital Data Drives National Progress
Since 2020, Laxton’s technology has helped streamline the registration process and improved data capture. The biometric stations’ consistent performance in remote areas was ideal for scaling the registration efforts.
The interoperability allowed for data sharing between the PNGCIR, National Health Information System (NHIS), and Discharge Health Information System (DHIS), ensuring the accuracy of vital statistics. This integrated system plays a crucial role in resource distribution across the country and provides equal access to services.
Laxton’s equipment was also used in the 2024 Population and National Housing Census – the first in 25 years – supporting data collection efforts that will aid social and economic development.
