Mobile Unit

A mobile unit provided with a laptop computer containing the civil status system, and other equipment for the registration and use of data in districts far away from the civil status directorates. It is meant to serve people in those districts.

When it was launched:

In 11 April, 2009, the Mobile Registration Units (MRUs) were established. Using modern technology, MRU were added to compliment the network of NRS directorates to provide quick and expeditious service to users living in remote areas. These mobile registration units are compact, highly portable equipments that can be packed into vehicles or even hand carried. It was specially designed to operate in difficult terrain and weather conditions. Most importantly, it is capable of carrying out similar function to those performed in any local registration office.

Goals:

1. Facilitate the process of having Omani ID card and Resident card for those who live far away form any DGCS site.

2. Shorten time and effort for those who looking for DGCS services without a need to go to any DGCS site.

3. It is a mean for having specific and overall database of Oman population by updating the data continuously.

Role of MRU in the (Majlis al-Shura) 7th election terms:

Another important point is that the MRU also play a role in the Consultative Assembly (Majlis al-Shura) election, where the mobile units are used to install the eVoting application in the Omani ID cards to allow the voters to use their ID cards in the process of election. This service was launched on January 3rd, 2011. These units consist of a laptop, a camera, a signature scanner, fingerprint scanner and an ID card reader. It supports the registration of new voters and the instant installation of an electoral applet and registering the voting location. This promotes transparency in the electoral process. Before, 1 voter could cast multiple votes in different electoral boundaries. With the eVoting application, it enforces the 1-man-1-vote policy. Also, it allows the flexibility of voters’ casting votes in his selected electoral area without having to be physically present. This is extremely important as many people work in the capital but are originally from remote areas.
 

MRU's importance for NRS:

The MRU service is an important component of the National Registration System (NRS). The NRS is primarily for the purpose of establishing the legal documents required by the law. These records are the main source of vital statistics concerning Civil Status. Accuracy and timeliness of civil registration are essential for quality vital statistics and planning. The MRU is vital in ensuring that the objective of the NRS is achieved, especially for remote areas.

More information about the Mobile Unit on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Status_Mobile_Registration_Unit_in_Oman