BEGINNING in July 2026, citizens in Papua New Guinea are expected to be able to claim their electronic National ID (eNID) through SevisWallet, as part of the government's broader digital identity rollout. The initiative is designed to let people securely receive and use their digital identity from a mobile device instead of relying solely on a physical ID.
The Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jr, MP, and the Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere, MP, today announced that their respective ministries are working together to streamline efforts to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s digital identity ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, the Civil Registry will facilitate a secure, citizen-consent based integration between the National Identification Database and SevisWallet. This will enable citizens whose records are held within the NID database, currently numbering approximately 4.2 million, to claim their NID in digital form as an eNID Verifiable Credential.
The Ministers confirmed that the eNID Verifiable Credential will be available through SevisWallet from 21 July 2026.
They emphasized that citizen consent is central to the design and implementation of this integration. Identity information will not be transferred or used without the consent of the
citizen and this is consistent with both the Civil Identity and Registry Act and the Digital Government Act. The SevisWallet App will provide citizens with a secure and convenient way to claim, store and use their eNID Credential in digital form.
Once available, citizens will be able to store their eNID Verifiable Credential in SevisWallet alongside other trusted digital credentials, including SevisPass and Police Clearance Certificates. Citizens who claim their eNID Credential will also be able to upgrade their SevisPass to Tier 2, enabling access to more digital services, including financial services and other regulated services requiring stronger identity verification.
Minister Tsiamalili Jr said the initiative is an important step in building Papua New Guinea’s national trust infrastructure.
“SevisWallet will allow citizens to carry trusted digital credentials in a secure, consent-based and convenient way. This will reduce reliance on physical documents, improve access to services, and support stronger participation in the digital economy.”
Minister Masere said the Civil Registry remains the custodian of civil identity records and will continue to safeguard the integrity of the NID database.
“By enabling citizens to claim their NID in digital form through SevisWallet, we are improving service delivery while maintaining the authority and integrity of the Civil Registry.”
The ministers further confirmed that the next step will be to utilise eNID and SevisWallet to support the update of the Electoral Roll, in close consultation with the Electoral Commission and relevant authorities.
The Government encourages citizens to start downloading the SevisWallet App in advance, now available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, in preparation for the eNID Verifiable Credential becoming available from 21 July 2026.
By SEPKOLIN WALNE
Bougainville Regional MP Peter Tsiamalili Jnr is fit to assume the Works and Highways Ministry, says Prime Minister James Marape.
He was speaking after announcing a mini-Cabinet reshuffle this morning in which Mr Tsiamalili was moved from the Police Ministry to Works and Highways.
“Our road connectivity is happening right throughout the country. We have a massive K1.7 billion program for this year,” Mr Marape said.
“The infrastructure requires a steady wise hand, especially from a minister without business interests.
“Him being leader of government business having the temperament to hold this important portfolio to run our Pangu Party signature blueprint policy on connecting all parts of the country leaving no place or region unconnected.
“The leader of government business has done a very good job in the police sector based on wider consultation.
“Minister Tsiamalili ticks off all boxes, and also with the Bougainvillea infrastructures remains outstanding.
“I want to commend him for the excellent work he did as the Police Minister, which initiated significant reforms in the police sector,” PM Marape said.
Mr Tsiamalili took over the portfolio that was left vacant by the recent death of former Minister Solan Mirisim. Kompiam-Ambum MP Sir John Pundari is the new Police Minister.
