GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has clarified recent misinterpretations of her remarks regarding the Government’s rollout of the new Electronic Identification (E-ID) Card, stressing that the initiative is not intended to legitimize illegal migrants but to modernize national security systems and streamline public services.
In a statement on Wednesday, Minister Walrond said that claims circulating on social media suggesting that the E-ID programme will “regularize” or “grant legal status” to undocumented foreigners are false and misleading.
“I categorically reject the false and irresponsible claims being spread online. The E-ID Card system is a legitimate national security initiative designed to ensure better regulation, transparency, and access to services — not to legitimize illegal migration,” Walrond said.
The Minister explained that two categories of cards will be issued — an E-ID Citizen Card for Guyanese nationals and an E-ID Resident Card for legally resident migrants, such as those holding valid work permits or residency documentation.
According to the Ministry, the E-ID Resident Card will allow lawful foreign residents to comply with requirements of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) while also providing secure, digital access to government and private-sector services.
Walrond further clarified that the cards issued to non-citizens will be valid only for the period of their approved stay and will automatically become invalid once that period expires.
She noted that persons who are currently in the country illegally will be given a limited grace period to register with immigration authorities and regularize their status, after which enforcement measures — including deportation — will apply.
“The E-ID system will help us protect our borders, strengthen law enforcement, and improve service delivery to our people,” Walrond said, adding that the digital identification project forms part of a broader effort to enhance national security through the responsible use of technology.
The Minister reiterated that the programme supports Guyana’s wider digital transformation agenda, integrating national databases for taxation, social services, and financial inclusion.
Citizens were urged to rely on verified and official sources for information about the E-ID rollout. “We must reject divisive narratives that aim to create public confusion and distrust,” Walrond said.
The Government has said the E-ID system is being fast-tracked as a new measure against illegal border entry and to ensure that both citizens and residents can securely access essential services in the evolving digital economy.