An information system framework for validating physical addresses against identity document in the Republic of Angola

Abstract

In the Republic of Angola, home addresses are printed on the national identity (ID) document. However, the physical addresses that are stored in the government's agency (Ministry of Homeland) database and printed on individuals ID document, are often different from citizens' actual residences. As a result, the databases are often filled with duplicated, incorrect and inaccurate physical addresses. This makes it more challenging for the government and its agencies to monitor, trace and manage activities, as well as provide services to individuals and communities. Consequently, the security of the country is also at stake as it enacts fraudulent acts and makes it more difficult for law enforcement agencies to address and uncover criminal acts and intents. Therefore, the aim of the study was to develop an information system framework, which can be used to address the challenges that duplication and inaccuracy of physical addresses in the ID system pose to the Republic of Angola including the government service delivery and citizen's activities. Based on the aim of the study the objectives were: (1) to identify and examine the factors of deficiencies in the current system whereby wrong, duplicate, inaccurate or inconsistent physical addresses are printed on identity documents of individuals; (2) Examine both technical and non-technical factors that can improve the current system. In achieving the objectives of the study, qualitative data was collected from the community of Luanda in Angola, and from one of the Ministries within the Angolan government. Due to ethical considerations, the Ministry was named "Ministry of Homeland" and it was used as a case in the study. This was mainly because this is the Ministry that deals directly with the issuance of IDs and storage of physical addresses. The data was collected through a semi-structured interview technique. The data was hermeneutically analysed from the interpretive approach. The analysis was guided by the lens of the duality of structure from structuration theory perspective. Seven factors were found to be the constraining and enabling factors of the efficiency and deficiency in the ID issuance process in the Republic of Angola. The findings were further interpreted towards the development of the information system framework which can be used to address the challenges that the duplications and inaccuracy of physical addresses in the ID system pose to the Angolan government and its people.