In a statement, the movement described the situation as unacceptable and warned against normalising practices that place additional burdens on citizens who have already complied with official procedures.
According to GALA, affected applicants had completed the required registration process, made the necessary payments and were issued official receipts before being reportedly informed that they would need to submit fresh applications.
The organisation argued that citizens should not be penalised because of administrative changes beyond their control.
“Citizens followed the process provided by the authorities and fulfilled all the requirements asked of them. They should not be punished because of a change in service providers,” the statement said.
GALA called on the Immigration Department and the government to provide an immediate explanation regarding the reported development and clarify the status of pending applications.
The movement further stressed that a change in service providers does not invalidate applications already submitted by citizens and insisted that the burden of any administrative shortcomings should not be transferred to the public.
“The burden of administrative failure must not be shifted onto the people,” GALA stated, while calling for greater transparency, accountability and a practical solution for those affected.
The organisation has also urged individuals who possess receipts but are being asked to restart their applications to come forward and share their documents with the movement.
According to GALA, it is currently documenting cases in an effort to establish the full extent of the problem and determine appropriate courses of action.
The group further criticised what it described as unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles confronting citizens and emphasised that public institutions have a responsibility to serve the people efficiently and fairly.
The reported concerns come amid growing public interest in the national identity card registration process and calls for authorities to provide clear information to applicants affected by any administrative changes.
GALA concluded by urging the relevant authorities to address the matter promptly and ensure that citizens who have already complied with registration requirements are not subjected to additional hardship.
