SevisPass: Papua New Guinea’s National Digital ID – The Foundation of Real-Time Identity Verification and Digital Public Infrastructure
Launched under the National Digital Identity Policy 2025 and the Digital Government Act 2022, SevisPass is a secure, government-issued digital credential.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has launched SevisPass, its official national digital ID. It is one of the most advanced digital identity systems in the Oceania region.
Launched under the National Digital Identity Policy 2025 and the Digital Government Act 2022, SevisPass is a secure, government-issued digital credential.
It serves as the trusted way for people to prove their identity online.
What Is SevisPass?
SevisPass is not just an app or a simple login. It is a verifiable digital credential—a secure, tamper-proof electronic document signed by the government.
It is stored in the SevisWallet mobile app and can also be accessed through the Sevis Portal. Users can prove who they are instantly and privately, without needing to show physical ID cards or documents.
The system uses strong encryption and international standards for decentralized identity. It lets users share only the specific information needed for each transaction (called selective disclosure). This helps protect privacy. The technology comes from TECH5’s platform, making PNG the first country in Oceania with a fully decentralized digital public infrastructure (DPI).
How It Works: Easy and Secure Verification
To get SevisPass, people enroll by providing basic personal information and biometrics (like fingerprints or facial scans). This can be done through the app or at enrollment centers. The system checks in real time to prevent duplicate IDs. Once approved, the digital ID appears in the user’s wallet app within seconds.
Verification is fast and happens in real time using:
- Biometrics (fingerprint, face, or iris) through the app.
- Simple methods like QR codes or one-time PINs.
- Secure connections for banks, government agencies, and phone companies.
It works both online and offline. For important services, higher security levels require more documents and biometrics. Service providers only get a quick “yes/no” answer plus the minimum needed details—never your full personal data. This reduces fraud while keeping information private.
One ID for Many Services
SevisPass acts like a universal digital key. After logging in once through the SevisWallet app, users can access multiple services via single sign-on (SSO).
Early uses include:
- CityPass for services in Port Moresby.
- Digital IDs for government employees.
- Electronic police clearance certificates.
- Opening bank accounts (e.g., with MiBank) using eKYC (electronic know-your-customer).
It connects to data-sharing tools (SevisDEx) and payment systems (SevisPay). This allows safe, consent-based sharing of verified information for benefits, licenses, and more. Private companies can also connect through open APIs, replacing piles of paperwork with one trusted ID.
Mandatory Use: Starting with SIM Cards
The government is rolling out SevisPass step by step, but it is becoming required for many services.
The biggest early requirement is for SIM card registration. From 2026, adults (18+) must link their SIM card to a SevisPass using the app. New adult SIM cards cannot be activated without it. Children can be linked to a parent or guardian’s ID.
Phone companies must connect to the system. Banks must use SevisPass for customer checks, anti-money laundering rules, and security. Government agencies will accept it for services, payments, and registrations. Full mandatory use across sectors is expected in the next 18–24 months.
Strong Rules and Enforcement
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) manages the rollout. There is also a dedicated Digital ID Regulatory Authority for oversight.
Unregistered SIMs will eventually stop working. Penalties include fines and restrictions for companies that don’t follow the rules. The system uses strong security, including biometric checks to prevent duplicates and fraud. It includes ways for people to report problems and protect their data.
The Foundation for Digital Services in PNG
SevisPass is the core building block of PNG’s digital public infrastructure. Key parts include:
- SevisWallet: Your personal secure storage for credentials.
- SevisDEx: Safe way to share data with consent.
- SevisPay: Payments linked to your verified identity.
- Sevis Portal and Admin tools: For citizens and government management.
The design is scalable, secure, and private by default. It works offline in remote areas, which is important for PNG’s geography. It follows global standards and supports the country’s Vision 2050 for a modern digital economy.
In summary, SevisPass is PNG’s official digital identity system. It enables real-time, secure verification, connects directly to services, and encourages widespread use through requirements like SIM registration. Over time, it will become as essential as mobile phones or electricity—helping reduce fraud, improve access to services, and build a more inclusive digital future for the country.
