On Saturday, November 30, 2024, Yemen's Ministry of Interior, part of the internationally recognized government, issued a directive requiring all government and private banks, as well as commercial and service institutions, to adopt the new smart ID card for all official, commercial, and service transactions.

In a statement published on its official website, monitored by Barran Press, the Ministry emphasized the mandatory use of the new smart ID card for all financial and non-financial transactions, effectively banning the old ID card.

The Ministry urged compliance with these directives, warning that any violations would be considered illegal and could result in legal consequences, including potential penalties such as the closure of non-compliant institutions.

This announcement comes amid reports of banks and money exchange companies refusing to accept the new smart ID card issued by civil service branches in government-controlled provinces. Soldiers and citizens with the new ID card have previously reported difficulties with banks and exchange companies in accepting the updated identification.