Beringen is taking a new step in improving its services. From November 9, residents can have their passport photos for various identity and travel documents taken directly at the Citizen Services counter. Thanks to live enrollment, the photo is immediately checked digitally and linked to the application file.
Live enrollment is a system where city employees take the applicant's passport photo directly at the counter. "With this system, which can be used for applying for an electronic identity card (eID), Kids-ID, international passport, electronic residence card, and travel documents, we ensure smoother service delivery. By taking the photo at the counter, the application process is faster, and we avoid residents having to return because a photo they brought does not meet the official requirements," says Alderman for Citizen Services and Service Delivery Jessie De Weyer.
For Citizen Services employees, the new procedure also simplifies application processing and reduces discussions about the validity, age, or conformity of passport photos. In addition to the practical benefit, live enrollment also offers significant added value in terms of security. "Because the applicant's photo is taken directly and immediately linked to their biometric data, it becomes much more difficult to use falsified or manipulated photos. The system thus helps in the fight against identity fraud, including look-alike fraud and photo manipulation," according to Alderman De Weyer.
For children under 3 years old, temporary residence documents, arrival declarations for non-Belgians, and when initiating a residence procedure for non-Belgians, it is necessary to bring a passport photo. Those applying for a driver's license who do not want their eID or residence card photo to be used must also bring a passport photo, as the live enrollment system is not linked to the driver's license application procedure.
In all these cases, or if you choose to do so, you can get a compliant passport photo from a professional photographer. Please note that the photo must meet the official standards for size, quality, background, lighting, pose, and facial expression. School photos usually do not meet these conditions.
The alderman also emphasizes that the passport photo taken at the City Hall is not printed: "So, anyone who still wants a physical passport photo can still go to a photographer. In case of technical problems, the existing photo scanner at the counters remains available as a backup."
Those who cannot come to the City Hall due to health problems also have the option of a home visit. This is possible exceptionally and upon presentation of a medical certificate. Citizens should contact the department via the general number or burgerzaken@beringen.be.
"With this new procedure, the city of Beringen makes Citizen Services faster, safer, more accessible, and user-friendly. At the same time, attention remains for residents who need a physical passport photo or cannot come to the City Hall due to health problems," the alderman concludes.
