Veridos building new identity document factory in Iraq

Veridos, a joint venture of Giesecke+Devrient and state-owned Bundesdruckerei, is working with the Iraqi Ministry of Interior to build a new identity document factory in Baghdad, enabling the country to independently produce its own electronic ID cards and passports on site. Veridos will also provide all relevant services and maintenance activities.

The factory is located close to Baghdad International Airport and equipped with state-of-the-art production technology. In the first phase, the complete production chain for passports was installed. The first production equipment for card production is expected to be completed soon then additional production capabilities for other official documents, such as employee badges or driver’s licenses, will be added. More than 100 jobs for highly skilled workers from Iraq will be created.

This new production facility represents a milestone for the Republic of Iraq. Qassim AlArraji, the Iraqi Minister of Interior, said: “The first security document manufacturing site with high-tech equipment is now going to be built in our country, creating more than 100 jobs for highly skilled workers in and around the factory. We have already successfully implemented a state-of the-art electronic ID system with Veridos including a pioneering national register. We are pleased to continue this productive partnership.”

Veridos CEO Hans-Wolfgang Kunz added, “Identity documents will not only be personalized in the country, but the whole document production process will be in local hands. Equipped with state-of-the-art production technology, the factory will be able to produce all the latest security features for identity documents. Veridos is also passing on all required technical expertise to local employees.”

Bangladesh recently awarded a 12-year, €340M biometric passports and border control systems contract to Veridos.

Article Topics

biometric passport  |  electronic identity cards  |  identity document  |  Iraq  |  Veridos