Bahrain continues to expand the use of digital government services under an existing ministerial decision recognizing government documents displayed through the MyGov application for the purpose of verifying the information contained in those documents. The measure is relevant to citizens and residents using official digital channels to manage their personal records and government transactions.

The legal basis is Ministerial Decision No. 59 of 2026, issued by Minister of Interior General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa on May 21, 2026. The decision was published in the Official Gazette on the same date and entered into effect on May 22, 2026.

Article One recognizes government documents available through the MyGov electronic application as valid for establishing the accuracy of the information they contain throughout their period of validity. The provision expressly preserves the application of other laws and regulations currently in force.

This qualification is important because recognition of digital information is not identical to eliminating every requirement for original physical documents. Certain transactions may continue to involve additional documentary, identification or procedural requirements depending on the responsible authority.

For citizens and residents, the arrangement provides an official legal framework for using government-issued information displayed through the application, provided the relevant document remains valid and its use complies with the rules governing the transaction.

MyGov is an integrated government mobile application provided by Bahrain’s Information and eGovernment Authority in cooperation with other entities. It brings together a range of digital services that users can access through a single mobile platform.

According to the government’s official application description, MyGov allows users to view personal government documents and documents belonging to eligible family members. It also provides access to government certificates, statements, notifications and service information.

Some supported services allow users to submit applications, complete transactions, renew documents or request replacements when necessary. The availability of these functions depends on the type of document and the government entity providing the particular service.

The application uses Bahrain’s enhanced electronic identity system, eKey 2.0, to facilitate secure authentication and access to connected services, including supported biometric authentication on compatible devices.

Users should understand that the decision concerns recognition of the information contained in government documents while those documents remain valid. It does not provide indefinite validity after a document’s official expiry date.

Similarly, citizens and residents should not assume that every government department, private organization or regulated transaction must accept a phone display in place of every other supporting document in all circumstances.

The decision expressly states that existing laws and regulations remain applicable. Therefore, users should check the particular requirements of the authority or service provider involved before relying solely on an electronic document.

The Information and eGovernment Authority announced in April 2026 that more than 900 electronic services remained available through Bahrain’s official digital channels, including the national government portal, MyGov and other approved government applications.

These services cover identity cards, civil records, passports, visas, healthcare, education, electricity and water, employment and business activities, among other sectors. Their availability can reduce the need for physical visits when a transaction supports remote completion.

Residents may also access relevant personal records and government services according to their eligibility, the information linked to their accounts and the services made available by the responsible entities.

For assistance, the Information and eGovernment Authority provides official support channels, including the government services contact centre at 80008001, where users can seek information about digital services and available assistance.

Citizens and residents are advised to obtain MyGov through Bahrain’s official government application directory, maintain the validity of their documents and verify the requirements of each transaction before submitting information.

The digital document recognition decision has been in force since May 2026. It should therefore be understood as an established government measure rather than a new announcement issued in October.

Source: Bahrain Ministry of Interior – Information and eGovernment Authority