Laos Transitions from Paper Household Books to Electronic Census Certificates

The ministry said the new certificate will gradually replace the paper household registration book as the official document for household registration in accordance with its regulations on modernizing population management. Previously issued household registration books will remain valid until the ministry issues a formal notice cancelling their use. Citizens whose household information has already been entered into the electronic census system will instead use the Census Data Certificate for official transactions. The ministry also said citizens who possess a digital national identity card may use it as proof of identity and citizenship when carrying out eligible public and administrative services. Three levels of public security authorities have been authorized to issue the Census Data Certificate: the Department of Census Management and Grassroots Development; the Public Security Commands of Vientiane and all provinces; and district- and municipal-level public security commands nationwide. The Ministry of Public Security has requested all ministries, ministry-equivalent organizations, National Assembly agencies, local authorities and other relevant institutions to recognize the new certificate and facilitate its use in official administrative procedures and public services. The Lao government, together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on August 5 launched the ALERT-LAO project, a new initiative to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to pandemic threats. Officials from Laos and Vietnam met in Ninh Binh Province on Aug. 5 to exchange experience on media leadership and management, with discussions focusing on strengthening information management, combating online misinformation and improving cooperation between media authorities. Members of the public have highlighted the important role of Lao media in serving as the voice of the Party, the State and the people, saying it provides accurate and timely information while helping strengthen public understanding and participation in national development. Health authorities from Laos and Thailand conducted a joint public health emergency response drill in Champasak Province from Aug. 4–5 to strengthen cross-border preparedness, improve disease surveillance and enhance coordination in responding to infectious disease outbreaks. The Lao government is accelerating the digital transformation of the transport sector through the Integrated Vehicle and Transport Management Project, a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative designed to modernise vehicle registration and strengthen road transport management nationwide.