The Burkinabe embassy in the United States has officially launched YORI ID, a digital platform designed to modernize consular services, enhance communication with Burkinabe nationals, and streamline administrative processes. The launch was presided over by Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, with Ambassador Kassoum Coulibaly and Consul General Estelle Pélagie Segda/Gango in attendance. This initiative aims to bridge the geographical gap between Burkinabe citizens abroad and their administration.
YORI ID is a digital one-stop-shop for consular services, addressing challenges faced by nationals abroad, including lengthy procedures, physical travel requirements, and limited access to centralized data. The platform was conceived in 2019, initially focusing on modernizing consular card issuance. It has since evolved into a comprehensive digital solution, enabling users to access various services remotely, including requesting or renewing consular cards, reporting lost documents, and applying for passports.
The platform offers a public front office where users can provide information, upload required documents, and access various services after validation by consular agents. Registered users can request or renew consular cards, declare lost documents, and apply for administrative acts. YORI ID also allows for passport applications, including for children, reducing the need for physical visits to diplomatic missions.
YORI ID enables the digitization of various documents and procedures, allowing consular services to create custom document templates, define issuance procedures, and specify payment requirements. The platform distinguishes between documents that can be issued automatically after payment and those requiring additional processing time. Payments can be made by credit or debit card, mobile payment links, or on-site terminals, with the option for money order payments.
The platform facilitates direct communication between diplomatic missions and Burkinabe nationals, enabling agents to request additional information or documents and disseminate important announcements and news to the diaspora. YORI ID has already registered over 10,000 users, with data from the previous system transferred and integrated. This database can also aid in understanding the diaspora and provide statistical insights.
The security of user data is a priority, with recorded information presented as secure and owned by the Burkinabe State. A downloadable application will be available on App Store and Play Store to verify the authenticity of documents issued through YORI ID. The US launch marks a pilot phase, which will last one year, allowing for testing, evaluation, and improvement of the platform before potential expansion to other regions.
The pilot phase will enable the Burkinabe embassy and consulate general to assess the platform's effectiveness, identify challenges, and make necessary adjustments. The ultimate goal is to extend YORI ID's coverage to the entire US territory, encompassing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five US territories. This digital platform has the potential to enhance the overall experience of Burkinabe nationals residing in the United States.
Key points
- The launch of YORI ID marks a significant step in modernizing Burkinabe consular services in the US.
- The platform offers a range of services, including consular card issuance, passport applications, and document verification.
- The pilot phase will last one year, allowing for testing and evaluation before potential expansion.
