General Security Expands Digital Services via AI-Powered "Ma'ak" Platform

The Directorate General of General Security proudly announced the launch of its new electronic platform "Ma'ak", in cooperation with Bank Audi and Mastercard, marking a new milestone in the ongoing path of digitizing public services in Lebanon.

The project was completed in collaboration with the Lebanese company ProIT Solutions and the French company Intelligencia, specialized in artificial intelligence and data science, and in coordination with the relevant teams within General Security. The new electronic platform will provide citizens with secure digital access to a range of General Security services, including renewal of residence permits, submission of entry visa applications, and requests for obtaining certificates. The service of passport renewal will also be added in the near future, expanding the digital services offered by the platform. Citizens will also benefit from the ease of completing payment processes online securely and smoothly using any bank card issued locally or internationally, through the Mastercard gateway.

The Mastercard gateway is available via the Merchant Cloud platform, which is the unified and open framework developed by Mastercard for accepting payments, allowing institutions to access an integrated set of flexible payment solutions and services, including intelligent agent services, fraud protection solutions, identity verification services, tokenization, and data and partner services. This system provides banks and institutions in the public and private sectors with advanced payment infrastructure, designed to meet growing needs in the field of digital payment acceptance.

On this occasion, Major General Hassan Shqeir, Director General of General Security, said: "We are committed at the Directorate General of General Security to continuing to develop and upgrade our services, facilitating matters for citizens, based on our national responsibility and our constant keenness to provide modern public services worthy of the trust of the Lebanese people." The launch of our new electronic platform "Ma'ak" reflects our keenness to make our services – including residence renewals, entry visa applications, and certificate requests – easier and safer. Today we take an important step towards providing an innovative digital experience and continuing to update General Security services."

Said Mr. Ali Malham, General Manager of Pro IT Solutions, and Dr. Yahya Taher, General Manager of Intelligencia:

"At Intelligencia/Pro IT Solutions, we design digital services that simplify complex procedures and make institutions more responsive to people's needs. We contributed to the development of "Ma'ak" as a secure platform that allows citizens to access General Security services online. Our expertise in digital transformation and artificial intelligence solutions qualifies us to support the next generation of efficient and accessible public services in Lebanon."

For his part, Mohamed Assem, General Manager of Mastercard in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, said: "Governments play a pivotal role in building more inclusive and interconnected economies. At Mastercard, we collaborate with government entities around the world as a technology provider and supportive partner for digital transformation initiatives. Through our collaboration with Bank Audi and the Directorate General of General Security, we contribute to supporting safe and seamless digital payment experiences for users when accessing essential government services in Lebanon."

Said Mr. Saad Azhari, Chairman of the Board and General Manager of Bank Audi: "We are proud of the partnership linking us with the Directorate General of General Security. Today, in cooperation with Mastercard, we elevate this partnership to a new level by supporting the digitization of General Security services and enabling secure and smooth electronic payments via the "Ma'ak" platform, contributing to strengthening the e-government system in Lebanon and supporting the country's digital transformation journey."