Japan and OAS sign $3M deal to expand Haiti’s biometric ID system

Japan and the Organization of American States (OAS) have signed a $3 million agreement to expand Haiti’s biometric identification system. The initiative aims to strengthen election preparedness and improve access to legal identity, social services, and government resources.

The funding will support the issuance of 350,000 new biometric identification cards and the updating of the national electoral registry. Key components of the project include the expansion of mobile registration units to reach remote and vulnerable communities, public awareness campaigns, and improvements to electricity and internet connectivity at the National Office of Identification (ONI) offices.

Signed in Port-au-Prince, the agreement also covers the rehabilitation of facilities, equipment installation, and enhanced coordination between the ONI and the Provisional Electoral Council. This effort builds upon a previous OAS-Japan initiative launched in 2023 to support Haiti’s identification infrastructure.