Answer to Parliamentary questions on DigiD activation code pilot received via video call

1. Until when has the pilot for providing a DigiDactivation code to Dutch and EEA citizens abroad by video call been extended?

In principle, the pilot will continue until this new form of service is structurally set up. The aim is to have this in place by early 2022.

2. What were the conclusions and lessons learned from the first pilot?

The small-scale pilot last May showed that it is quite feasible to perform the verification of DigiD application data, identity verification and issuance of the activation code by means of a video call appointment via the equipped secure video link. Overall, it is a workable solution for citizens anywhere in the world, eliminating the need to travel to a counter.

3. Why was it chosen to conduct a second pilot instead of structurally implementing the ability to receive a DigiD activation code via video call? What is the purpose of the second pilot?

The pilot in May was small-scale in scope. Structurally setting up and scaling up this service requires more time. It was decided to extend the pilot because of the travel restrictions due to Corona, which means that it is not always possible to visit a counter, and the high demand for DigiD in connection with the Digital Corona Certificate (DCC). The extension will still allow people to be helped in the meantime. In addition, the extension will provide more experience with this form of service and create even more insight into the future structural setup.

4 Compared to the first pilot, has the extended pilot broadened in, for example, the number of possible appointments and/or the type of service offerings? How is the second pilot progressing to date? Is there high demand for the services offered?

The extended pilot, in which the service offered does not differ from the first pilot, is also going well. Citizens are satisfied and rate this form of service with an average rating of 9.2. During the extended pilot, there are more appointment options and we are also experimenting with evening appointments to meet the needs of citizens in other time zones. More than 2,000 video call appointments took place with citizens around the world between July 19 and September 1. There is high demand for this form of service. Appointment opportunities are opened weekly and they are fully booked within 48 hours.

5. Is it expected that after the second pilot the possibility to receive a DigiDactivation code via video call will be introduced structurally? If not, what are objections or obstacles to this?

Yes, see also the answer to questions 1 and 3. In the coming period, we will consider how best to structurally arrange this method of issuing a DigiD activation code.

6. Do you share the view that it is desirable to expand government digital service delivery to Dutch citizens abroad, especially during and in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic?

Yes, provided it can be done securely and in accordance with legal requirements and European regulations surrounding the issuance of electronic identities. The COVID pandemic has only underscored the importance of more digital government services while bringing new possibilities. The DigiD pilot is a concrete example of this.

7. Do you see any further possibilities for expanding the pilot for service extension by videocall, for example for extending a Dutch driver's license from abroad and proof of being alive at the UWV? If so, what possibilities are these?

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8. Do you see any other opportunities for pilots of digital services for Dutch citizens abroad? If so, what are they? Are you prepared to start these in the near future?

We are looking at what other products and services a digital approach is possible for, including with government organizations affiliated with the Foreign Service Desk Project.

9. To what extent do Dutch citizens without a BSN and DigiD, who do not live in the Netherlands, currently have the option of using the Digital Corona Certificate (DCC)?

Dutch citizens, and others, who have been vaccinated in the Netherlands can, if they do not have a BSN and DigiD, contact the vaccination provider (e.g. Our Reference BZDOC-727249465-21 GP, hospital or institution) who can print out a paper vaccination certificate. If a Dutch citizen has been vaccinated outside the EU, this person can contact the GGD Utrecht who, based on the European regulation, can convert the third-country vaccination certificate provided that the person and the certificate meet the set requirements, as stated in the Parliamentary letter of July 6 last (Meeting year 2020-2021, 25 295, no. 1356). Dutch citizens who have not been vaccinated in the Netherlands but elsewhere in the EU should, according to the European DCC regulation, receive a DCC from the country that vaccinated them. However, not every Member State seems to always issue a DCC at the request of the vaccinated person. In case of structural signals from a particular Member State, that signal will be discussed with that Member State. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport will consider whether additional efforts are needed. For negative tests it is possible to collect a test certificate from the Municipal Health Service (GGD) or via the link code from other test providers. Recovery certificates can only be picked up for positive tests at the GGD; again, the person can contact the GGD.

10. Can you indicate how many people of Dutch nationality living abroad, Caribbean Netherlands and Caribbean countries of the Kingdom, respectively, currently use the DCC? If not, why not?

Only the number of DCCs issued is read. For reasons of privacy, the system used for DCC does not store who the DCC is issued to, including nationality and place of residence.