Muscat: The Foreign Ministry today launched an e-services portal and a smartphone application with the aim of integrating technology into diplomatic and consular functions. The step will also enhance digital interaction, facilitate access to consular services and provide an interactive means that enables citizens, residents, and visitors to communicate immediately with Omani embassies at any time and place.

According to Oman News Agency, Khalid bin Hashel Al Muselhi, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs, the chief guest at the launch ceremony, stated that the digitization of the services reflects the ministry's commitment to innovation and modernization and means of harnessing modern technology to develop performance.

Al Muselhi added that the e-platform is a step towards enabling government institutions, diplomatic missions, citizens, residents, and visitors to quickly and reliably access consular and diplomatic services. The platform facilitates communication with Omani embassies around the world.

The new platform will also enable government institutions and diplomatic missions to complete their transactions electronically. The parties concerned will henceforth provide an integrated electronic payment system and multiple options for accessing services.

The smartphone application makes it possible to register traveller data and promptly view consular and security updates, which enhances user experience and ensures immediate response to any developments.